These seven easy checks could help you cut your energy bills and reduce your energy wastage.
Madeleine Porter, head of marketing at Utility Bidder, said: “We often think about preparing our homes and businesses for winter once the temperature starts to fall, but by then it can be too late to address some of the biggest sources of energy waste.
“Think of an energy MOT as a chance to give your home or business a once-over before the period when energy demand is at its highest.
“From checking your heating system and insulation to reviewing how and when you’re using electricity, a few simple checks now can help prevent unnecessary energy waste later.
“The key is not to wait until your heating is switched back on to find a problem.
“Taking action while the weather is still mild gives households and businesses time to make improvements, build better habits and go into winter with a much clearer picture of their energy use.”
7 checks to do at home before winter
Check your fridge and freezer temperatures
If your appliances have a temperature that is lower than it needs to be, you could be using more energy than you need.
Madeleine Porter suggests checking the thermostat to make sure your fridge and freezer are set to the recommended temperatures.
Stop your hot water working overtime
Check your hot water cylinder timer and thermostat.
If your system is heating water when you don’t need it, changing its schedule could prevent wasted energy.
You can save energy when washing laundry, as British Gas advises using a 30°C setting to potentially reduce your energy usage by 40%.
Don’t block your radiators
Your heating system will need to work harder if your radiators are blocked by things like furniture, curtains and even drying clothes.
Porter advises giving your radiators some breathing room before winter starts.
Check your ventilation fans
Don’t forget to check your extractor fans as the filters and vents can become clogged and reduce airflow, meaning they’ll be working harder.
Give them a clean before winter, especially if they’re in kitchens, bathrooms and commercial premises.
Check your standby power
Walk around the property and check for equipment that’s permanently plugged in but rarely used.
This might include anything from printers and monitors to chargers, kitchen appliances and entertainment systems.
You can cut unnecessary standby energy consumption by using smart plugs or timed switches.
Check your heating controls
Porter added: “Make sure thermostats, timers and smart heating controls are working properly and programmed around when the building is actually occupied.”
“Businesses can avoid heating empty offices, while households can prevent heating from running unnecessarily.”
How to save money on your energy bill
Review your energy tariff
You can save money by keeping up to date with your energy tariff by making sure you’re on the best one for you.
Porter warns home and business owners: “Don’t leave it until winter to check whether you’re on the most suitable tariff.”
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You’ll need to look at your current deal and how much energy you’re currently using, and give yourself time to understand what options you have before the demand increases.
British Gas explains that heating and hot water make up more than half of energy bills, so it recommends paying attention to your usage.
What home checks do you do before winter? Let us know in the comments below.