How To Reduce Your Energy Bills The Extended Version
How To Reduce Your Energy Bills
The Extended Version
Trying to think out of the box to bring ideas into people's homes to help us all to reduce the cost of energy bills. The struggles the current Government brings upon us is becoming unbearable for many people.
When will the number of energy price hikes stop?
So now together let's try to share ways to try to help ourselves and our loved ones keep warm and fed.
Here are some tips to reduce the amount of electricity your household uses
Try to acclimatise your mind and body when weather seasonal changes occur
Consider adjusting the way your bedding is like a higher tog duvet
Let the sun come in during light hours open the curtains and make the most of the sun's rays
Family movie nights all sitting together watching one TV, one TV switched on is better than 2, 3 or 4, heating one room is better than heating 2, 3 or 4
Friends social night take turns with friends at eachs homes saves you both using heating, cooking and TV
Plan weekly meals for the whole family and batch cook meals together, freeze and reheat
Switch lights off when not in use
Do not keep things on standby switch off at the socket
Set Heating thermostat to 18-21°C. 18°C uses less energy than 21°C, the higher the temperature set the higher the cost
To keep heating bill down keep doors and windows closed as much as possible when heating is on
Thick thermal curtains and blinds help keep heat in during winter, and to keep heat out during summer
Take quicker showers not long hot baths
NEVER leave hot taps running
Check hot taps are not dripping
Avoid treadmills by running🏃🏃♀️🏃♂️
Do not over use any high energy consuming electrical tools like Drills, Pressure Washers, Sanders, Strimmers
Remember No Mow in May Anyway!
Avoid hair dryers and straighteners by air drying hair as much as possible, or use hair dryer or cool setting
Compare energy suppliers? (Maybe?)
Use 100% renewable energy suppliers when possible
Consider solar powered panels? - believe scheme still available to reclaim VAT?
Keep boilers and heating systems regularly serviced
Check radiators are heating up evenly and bleed radiators
Set each radiator temperature using the TRV knob adjust as required
Pipe lagging around pipes
Avoid using long extension leads
Always use the electric plug sockets closest to electric meter
Place large plants on window sills
Block off unused fireplaces and block off unused chimneys
Caulk gaps around electrical switches and lights
Fill large gaps in external walls left by previous builders, plumbers or electricians
Check gutters if you have damp problems
Spray external brick walls with water sealants
Cover outdoor taps during winter
When insulating loft it's important to ensure the hatch is well covered and insured too
Be aware of vampire electric devices that will even suck energy when they are switched off, to ensure this does not happen remove the plug from the socket
Appliances
Newer devices and appliances tend to be more energy efficient
When you buy an electrical device the higher the "W" then the more energy the device will use per hour. For example a 500W device is 0.5kW per hour, a 1,000W device is 1kW per hour.
Replace broken or faulty appliances with energy efficient ones check out the energy efficiency rating chart A = most efficient, G = least efficient
Check the rubber door seals of ovens and fridge freezers, seal in your energy!
Smart Ways To Control Appliance
Smart outlets or smart plugs work on some appliances enabling you to use an app on your smartphone to switch them off
Energy Check
Consider using a plug in energy monitor to check the power consumption of each individual appliance and device, faulty or broken appliances maybe losing energ
Smart Meters
Some people learn from having smart meters about the energy they regularly consume
Lighting
Can you reduce the amounts of lamps and lights you use
Use low Watt LED light bulbs more energy efficient
Replace halogens bulbs with LEDs
Turn lights off not in use
Use smart switches
Maybe consider low Watt motion detector night lights up stairs
Rechargeable Batteries
Never leave battery chargers plugged in
Consider rechargeable batteries instead of standard batteries
TV - Sky DVD Players Stereos
If not watching TV switch it off, if guests arrive switch it off
Do you need a TV that big 📺 the bigger the screen and the higher the resolution typically means they use more energy
Adjust TV settings to optimise saving power like reducing screen brightness and volume
Some set top boxes of set to record may need to be kept on standby?
IF NOT IN USE SWITCH IT OFF AND UNPLUG IT
When buying a new TV consider Watts just because a TV has power saving mode setting added, it does not mean it is a low energy use TV
Home Computing
Turn off high performance computers when not in use! 🖥️💻
Consider using a lap top instead of a power hungry desktop and monitor
Adjust monitor screen settings to power save
Consider when buying a Gaming PC how high the energy use is, often desktops use far more energy than desktops and desktops requires the use of a monitor, laptops have built in screens
Compare the energy use of gaming consoles and competes before you buy
"Energy from devices such as computers left on standby account for 5-10% of the total electricity used in residential homes and accounts for about 1% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)"
Online at
https://www.environment.admin.cam.ac.uk/facts-figures
How energy efficient is your Fridge freezer?
What temperature is your fridge and freezer set to? Can you adjust it by a degree or so? Fridges should be at or below 5°C to keep food chilled, freezers should be below -18
Keep fridges clean especially around door seals, and ensure no blockages in any drainage tubes this will help make your appliance more energy efficient
Never place warm or hot food inside your fridge or freezer!
When defrosting frozen items place them inside the fridge to defrost
A fridge creates a temperature difference between the inside and outside, so the larger this difference is in temperature the more energy it consumes. Meaning if the room is warm then the fridge consumes more power to keep cool, by keeping your kitchen cooler in hot summer will reduce energy use
Allow space behind fridges freezers for air flow, else they use more energy trying to keep cool
Clean away dust and dirt from the back of fridges and freezers
Keep freezers fuller, by reducing the space left free you reduce energy consumption
Position your fridge freezers in cooler more shaded places like away from direct sunlight
General Cooking
Before you cook dinner, consider whether it is more energy efficient to use a microwave rather than putting the whole oven on? This will depend upon what you are cooking?
Do not leave hobs, grill or oven on when not in use, to ensure this always turn oven off at the main switch on the wall
Try to cook for the whole family at once and not once for the children and then again later for the adults
If baking a cake, then pop it in the oven when you cook dinner
When cooking large joints of meat, consider cutting the meat up into smaller joints before cooking reduces the time it takes to cook the meat through
Defrost foods or semi defrost foods where possible before cooking reduces the overall cooking time
Keep oven hobs clean, keep inside oven clean especially around door seals
Cooking on Stoves and Hobs
When cooking with saucepans use lids and only have the hob heat up enough to simmer the contents after the initial boil point is hit, and use the right size pan for the contents and not an over sized pan
Turn off oven hobs a couple of minutes before you are going to serve food
When cooking vegetables from the freezer run them under cold water, drain, then run them under cold water again, and repeat, the vegetables will begin to warm, then leave saucepan on the side for an hour, before cooking, reduces the cooking time substantially
Oven and or Microwave
Think oven or microwave first before you switch the oven on to preheat
Glassware and ceramic dishes are also energy efficient in the oven
Only have your oven on at actual required temperature if packaging says 180°C, do not put oven on anything above 180°C
Know your oven, is it fan assisted or not
Can you use the small top oven if you have one instead of the larger oven?
Know your microwave, what power Watt is it?
Whilst cooking in the oven, do check if food is ready by looking through the glass door and try not to open the oven door to check, because every time you open an oven door you waste energy
When roasting potatoes, semi boil them first, reducing time required in the oven. You can even semi boil, part shallow fry then part roast, this is quickest way I find to cook good roast potatoes
Consider replacing Saucepans and Bakeware
Consider replacing your saucepans and bakeware with more economical ones like those which I can personally recommend made by Scoville, they cook things quicker and retain heat more efficiently, if you purchase these will find you need to adjust the time you cook things for in the oven, for example if a packet says place in the oven on baking tray for 20 minutes, if you preheat the baking tray you can reduce cooking time by several minutes, however always make sure what you cook is piping hot throughout and cooked in the middle. Scoville is very easy clean and has an innovative never stick technology, find out more online at https://www.scoville.me
Consider other cooking methods like air fryers, slow cookers, pressure cookers, thermal boxes, wonderbag
Consider steamer saucepans so you can cook 3 different vegetables on one ring instead of 3
Consider buying tinned potatoes and other tinned vegetables
Consider buying ready made mashed potatoes
Consider cooking rice in microwave
Soak pasta and rice in cold water for a while before cooking reduces cooking time
When cooking frozen items get them out of the freezer before hand let them warm to room temp then it reduces the cooking time in the oven
Laundry and Drying
When selecting clothes for the laundry ask yourself can we wear these items for another day or so?
How often do you wash your towels and bed linen? Is it too often? Can you wash bed linen less often in cold winters because we sweat less?
Wash laundry on lower temp and shorter wash programmes, wear your sweater for another day!
Avoid tumble dryers by air drying or reduce use of tumble dryer by one load per week
Question How Much do tumble Driers Cost Per Cycle (UK)?
Newer models have a 20° programme
Run a regular service wash programme
Clean door seals
Check filters do not get clogged
Use good but not over priced laundry detergent, washes better at low temperatures
Consider using the recommended by BBC 'Shop Well For The Planet' 'Ecoegg', an environmentally friendly laundry solution that reduces the amount of plastic bottles used, is reasonably priced and washes well at low temperatures. Find out more at www.ecoegg.co.uk
Try to do full loads of washing when running a programme - but do not overfill your machine!
Air dry laundry where and if possible - this is also reduces micro plastics released from synthetics clothes dried in tumble dryers
When tumble drying take out items that dry easily on their own anyway like bed sheets
Increasing the spin cycle speed on your washer will reduce the amount of time your tumble dryer requires to dry the same load of laundry
Shake laundry well after washing
Look at how energy efficient your dryer is, heat pump tumble dryers and gravity spin dryers are more energy efficient
Ironing
Only iron what laundry really needs it!
By hanging laundry out very carefully reduces the time it takes to iron items
Kettles
Only put the amount of water in the kettle that is required, never overfill it, if you fill the kettle with the exact mugs of water you want them you can't go wrong
Some kettles have inside markers for 1 cup, 2 cups etc, so you don't over fill them and waste energy
One Cup Machines heat up just over a mug at a time so prevent energy waste
Coffee Machines
Coffee machines, is it possible to buy sachets of Cappuccino or lattes instead of using coffee machines, or even use a good quality instant coffee instead
Sterilizers
You could consider sterilising baby bottles in sink using steriliser tablets?
Is your electric steriliser for baby bottles still required how old is your baby?
Fat Fryer
Fat fryers use a lot of energy
Is it cheaper to buy fried chips from a chippy once a week?
Consider Air Fryers - compare Watts
And eating a lot of fatty foods is bad for your health too!
Heating and Cooling
Covering unused air vents in your home that were used for older different types of heating systems and are no longer required, however be sure not to block any necessary vents
Ensure good loft insulation
Ensure good wall cavity insulation
Reduce drafts and gaps in the home
By managing to retain heat and reduce heat loss, when your heating is on it reduces wasting that heat energy by keeping it in your home for longer, this means you will not need to keep your heating system switched on for so long
Fill any small cracks or damage with caulk or filler
Fill around doors and windows frames with sealant, seek out advice for much larger cracks or damage from a trusted tradesman
Add draft excluders to external doors and windows
Use pillow draft excluders at the bottom of external doors
Use thick curtains around doors and windows, this reduces drafts and heat loss during winter months, and if kept closed during hot summer months it reduces the heat that enters your home and keeps it cooler for longer, without the need for turning on cooling fans
Consider insulation under kitchen cabinets, but be sure to allow for ventilation by using the right type of insulation. And be sure to allow for plenty of air circulation around large electrical appliances to prevent them over heating
On very drafty kitchen units that are on external walls like mine! Consider placing a layer of thin foil insulation in the back of the cupboards.
Even the placement of dense items in the kitchen units, can help to prevent cold entering from external walls
If you have tiles on floors that are cold consider rugs or good thick socks and slippers, since cold feet make the whole body feel cold
Doors and Windows
In colder seasons keep doors and windows closed as much as possible - although at times allow air inside to circulate in order to prevent damp and mould, often modern UPVC Windows have small trickle vents that can be opened to allow for ventilation
Some bathrooms and kitchens have electric extractor fans, during warmer weather maybe consider cracking a window open instead - if this does offers a similar level of warm air extraction
Do not stand chatting with the front door open, close the door go in or out!
Use door draft excluders and door pillows that can be made from old cushions and pillows
Draft exclude Windows with foam tape, and fill gaps around them
Consider thick thermal curtains for external doors
If possible have both blinds and thick curtains to help prevent drafts and heat loss around external windows and doors
If drafts persist in doors and windows, consider seeking proper maintenance advice from a trusted tradesman, maybe the hinges, openers or locks need adjusting
A far from ideal and cheaper solution for some during winter months maybe to consider applying some kind of easy to remove tape across large gaps and drafty doors and windows, be aware this may cause condensation
Central Heating Temperature Radiators
Before turning Central heating on put an extra layer of clothes on, or use a thick blanket over your lap in the living room
Heat the person first, heat the room the space second, but not the whole place
What temperature do you have your Central heating turned to and when?
If you can reduce hearing by 1°C you will save energy
"The Energy Saving Trust recommends heating your home to between 18 to 21°C degrees Celsius during winter. And The World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests 18 degrees is the ideal temperature for healthy and well-dressed people." [Online] www.britishgas.co.uk
Important Advice from NHS
**Published by NHS [Online] at www.nhs.uk
'How to stay well in winter
"if you're not very mobile, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease, heat your home to at least 18°C.
Generally home temperatures can be at
Toddlers and Young Children's room
18-21°
Babies do not need hot rooms
Ideal 18°C
NHS recommends 16-20°C (see below**
Bathroom
18-21°
Living Room
18-21°
Bedroom
18-19°C no more than 20°C and could be as low as 17°C because generally you are in bed with bed clothes on, so long as windows remain closed and you have minimised draft
Kitchens
18-19°C
Cooking heats a kitchen up somewhat as well, leave oven door open if safe to do so after cooking
In Summer remember the hotter your kitchen is, then the more energy your fridge freezer will use trying to keep cool, so if you're fridge freezer is on direct sunlight through a window or door it will use more electricity trying to keep cool, so try to have fridge freezer away from external doors and windows
Hallways
18°
Storage rooms
16-18°
**Babies
**Published by NHS [Online] at www.nhs.uk
'Reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome'
"Babies do not need hot rooms. All-night heating is rarely necessary. Keep the room at a temperature that's comfortable – about 16 to 20°C is ideal."
Important to be aware that a too high temperature like 24°C is seriously bad for your health, 23°C is bad, even 22°C is more likely to cause too much moisture, can lead to condensation, damp, mold, increase bacterias and other bugs.
Whereas a too low temp below 16°C starts to become unsafe for some, when it drops to below 12°C is bad and too low for most, and below 9°C is seriously bad and may cause hyperthermia
Ask yourself questions like?
Is it best practice to leave your Central heating turned on during the day when you are at work or out, and if yes, should you set a timer to keep daytime temp at about 16°C when you are out? If your home is well insulated, drafts well excluded, doors and windows kept closed and covered where possible, it reduces the heating temperature required. In the mornings and after school or work 18°C is a good recommended temperature to aim for, too hot in the mornings actually makes it more difficult for us to wake up and get out of bed. If it is cold when arriving home, increase the heating but try not go above 21°C. Exceptions to these guidelines may apply for retired people and those who are less mobile
Where is your thermostat for the central heating, is it in an optimal Central place, or is it near a drafty area like a window or door? If a draft is near your thermostat then it may keep your heating working for longer until it believes it reaches the temperature you desired, but if the thermostat is placed away from drafts it is likely to work more efficiently
Have radiators set at the correct temperature for each room a required
Consider where your radiators are situated, are they in the best place to heat room and reduce heat loss
Keep radiators clean
Some radiator covers may increase your energy consumption?
Curtains should be long enough to cover your window but not your radiator, if they are too long then maybe try tucking them behind the top of your radiators
Radiators under Windows can loss a lot of heat covering the backs with foil can reduce the amount of heat lost
Do not dry clothes on the radiator - it is generally considered bad practice to dry laundry indoors* especially for people with respiratory conditions
Do your radiators need bleeding to ensure circulation. Every now and then go around your home and test them to ensure they are heating up evenly to the required temperature
Set the required temperature for each radiator, if a room is not in use turn it off. But remember to also ventilate to prevent condensation
Boiler
Newer boilers are far more efficient than older models
Do you have your boiler system regularly serviced? Faults may be causing loss of energy
Is your boiler set to the most economical settings?
Some have the option to set E for economy mode
Cooling Fans
On hot summer days hang cold **wet sheets over open windows and doors, this helps to cool the room somewhat and reduce the amount of time a cooling fan is required - but be aware hanging wet clothing inside at other times is likely to cause moisture, condensation, damp and even mould, which may negatively impact people's health especially those with respiratory conditions
On hot summer nights open windows and use net curtains to avoid flies and bugs, if you still require a cooling fan keep it on a low setting and use a timing plug to set time limits, this will reduce the overall time the cooling fan is switched on for
During hot summer months it may well be best to keep external windows and doors closed with thick curtains and or blinds closed, during the daytime this helps keep indoors cooler. Once the sun begins to go down open windows to let cooler evening air in. If you get in the habit of keeping curtains and blinds closed first thing in the morning, you will find later on in the daytime your home is much cooler for it, this reduces the amount of time you need cooling fans turned on for. This makes a considerable difference especially to doors and windows which have direct sunlight
Electric Blankets
Wear an extra layer of clothes such as thermal socks and garments
Consider is it cheaper to pop on an electric blanket to warm you up of an evening rather than putting on the entire heating system? Especially if only one member of the family is cold
Pop your feet and half of you inside a sleeping bag when watching TV
Put on an extra duvet of a size larger than your bed, for example if you have a double bed then buy a second king sized duvet
Consider the thickness and tog of your duvet, thin duvets or sheets in hot summer months, and thick in cold winter months
Use a large oversized sheet over the top of your bed duvet(s) and tuck it into the sides of the bed under the mattress, keeps body heat in if you're wrapped in well
If using electric blankets put on as low a temperature as possible and put on to plug in timers, use only when required
Hot Water
Check the temperature setting of your hot water, is it too high? Reducing the setting of your hot water temperature not only reduces the amount of energy used when hot taps are on, but also reduces the chances greatly of babies and children being accidently burnt or scalded by hot water
Try not to leave hot taps running especially when washing your teeth
Try to rinse teeth and wash hands with cold water
Use the two bowl washing up system and do not leave hot tap running whilst you wash up, rinse with cold water
If you use a hot water tank the temperature must be set to at least 60°C to prevent Legionellas
Immersion switches should never be left on 24/7
Showering Bathing
Use a quick shower instead of a long hot bath
Take long hot baths less frequently
Towel dry hair really well, and air dry where possible, reduce the use of hair dryers and straighteners, whilst also protecting your hair
Hot baths cost more in the winter time than the summer, when it's cold out the hot water system uses more energy to heat the water than when it's hot out
Insulation around the bottom of your bath tub, this will help keep the water warmer for longer
Washing Dishes
Sometimes ask yourself questions like do I need a clean plate? Can I boil my vegetables in the same saucepan? Can I bake different items on the same baking tray? Can I use the same cooking utensils for more than one thing? Can I reuse the mug or drinking glass I just used?
Can I was this item in cold water?
Always wash items that come into contact with raw fish, meat and eggs with hot water to prevent food poisoning
Electric Dishwashers
Try not to use electric dishwashers - if you have children teach them how to do the dishes properly
Try to only run dishwashers when you have a full load
Try to reduce using dishwasher by one load per week
See my other blog that discusses dishwashers or not?
What Do You Use To Wash Up?
How you wash up may reduce the time it takes to wash all the dishes, which in turn reduces the amount of hot water required, for example using a good sponge scourer, dishmatic or other scourer, or brush, tends to be quicker than using a soft cloth
Washing up whilst leaving the hot water tap running is a very inefficient way to do it, use the two tub washing up technique. Wash items in hot soapy water, then rinse items in other tub of cold water. This technique drastically reduces the need to leave tap running
When a hot tap is running the same system as your heating is running, combi boilers are great however use a lot of energy
Which Washing Up Detergent
I personally cannot rate Fairy Liquid washing up detergent any higher, I consider it to be the best and in the long run I find it is definitely cheaper because less is required, and I believe it is the fastest and most efficient at cleaning dishes, therefore reduces the chances that you will need to refill your sink or bowl with more hot water and detergent, reducing the amount of energy and water use
When washing up rather than keeping a tap running to rinse, wash all dishes with detergent and water, empty sink or bowl, use cold water to rinse items, then leave them to air dry. This reduces the chances of leaving detergent on dishes, reduces amount of water and energy use - similar to the the two tub washing up system
If you rinse particularly dirty saucepans, dishes and baking trays not long after you've finished cooking with them and whilst they are still warm, it reduces the amount of hot water required to wash them up later on after they have cooled down and the grime and dirt has stuck hard and fast. However, I personally much prefer to wash most of my dishes before I sit down to eat my dinner, it saves returning to a dirty kitchen later on in the evening
Luxury Devices
Alexa
Do you really need to leave Alexa turned on? How did you manage before Alexa? It's your smartphone a smart alternative?
Exercise Equipment
Treadmill? Maybe go for an outdoor run instead
Exercise Bikes go for an outdoor ride instead
Long walks
Play tennis and football etc
Energy Costs
Renewable Energy
Consider solar panels
Consider wings turbines
Check out Local Council or Government Energy Grants for solar power or other energy saving schemes such as cavity and loft insulation
Energy Suppliers
Is your energy supplier 100% renewable energy?
Compare energy suppliers make sure you are on the best tariff in your local area
Write to your local MP, PM, Ofcom and your energy suppliers complain about the every increasing cost of gas and electricity, tell them it is unaffordable and it is not a price that will be sustainable for most households in the near future. Ask your MP and PM why the UK has not organised getting more of our power from renewable sources like Wind Turbines, Nuclear and Solar power, and why are they not helping to fund Solar power and other firms of renewable energies in people's homes for the future?
Warm Harm Discount**
Ensure if you are eligible to apply for the Warm Home Discount of £140 each winter, typically claim this from your energy supplier during Oct to Dec, and then it is generally taken directly from your bill in March
Winter Fuel Payments**
This £100 to £300 helps towards energy costs and is applied to your energy bill automatically for people born on or before 26 September 1955. Typically paid towards bills in November and December
**Gov has recently offered some people other finding to help with the rising cost of living. Details not included here.
Outdoors
Outdoor Lights
If you require outside motion detector night lights consider buying solar powered lights
Christmas lights in the garden, ask yourself who are you lighting up your garden for Elves or Santa? Aren't you sitting indoors in the middle of winter?
Mowing and Strimming
Mowing and Strimming your lawn how often? Is it too often? Is leaving the grass longer not only better for the environment and better for keeping your grass greener in hot summers? Early Summer delay when you first mow your lawn this is much better for insects and wildlife, as in No Mow in May Anyway!
Garden Heating
Garden electric warmers, really? You are going to try warming up your cool summer evenings and the rest of the street? No put a sweater or jumper on, if you actually pay to heat your garden and the sky you clearly have plenty of money and do not need to worry about reducing your electricity usage!
Parenting
Children and Teenages -
If your teenagers continue to leave lights on unnecessarily then consider removing the light bulbs in their rooms for a few days, if they leave on games Consoles and computers, then take them away until they agree to teach themselves how to switch things off that are not in use. Tell them it is not up for debate, they teach themselves or remove them!
Harsh but true
Other Ideas
Other Possible Cooling Solutions
Is your garden large enough to have trees at the back for shade?
Is your garden large enough to have a pond or water feature?
Have you thought of having an awning or some other kind of sun shade like a fitted gazebo at the front or back of your home where there is direct sunlight? These will reduce the heat coming into your home in hot summer months reducing the need for cooling fans?
Plants near the external walls of your home
Book shelves indoors along external walls and around windows
Furniture placement in your home, like don't have a bed near a drafty window, don't have a sofa near a drafty window or door
Rugs on cold floors prevent feet from feeling the cold so much
Consider other heating options like wood burners
Average Temperature
Found [Online] at www.ovoenergy.com
"Back in 1970, the average temperature of a home in the UK in the winter months was around 12°C. Now, decades later, this has moved all the way up to between 17°C and 23°C."
"Here are some basic benchmarks for indoor temperatures
24°C – very warm, could be unsafe for heart conditions
18°-21°C – comfortable temperature
18°C – minimum for being comfortable
12-16°C – fairly cold, could be unsafe for respiratory conditions
12°C – cold, could be unsafe for heart conditions
9°C – very cold, could be a risk for hypothermia
Mowing Gardens Other
Areas in your garden that are not used for regular recreational uses, like playing, socialising and relaxing, consider letting them grow out naturally, you may discover new insects and wildlife, consider bird tables, bird feeders/drinkers, bee homes, and consider what types of flowers and plants you grow or allow to grow in your garden, some are better for pollinators like butterflies and bees. However if you leave wild natural areas you may want to keep an eye out for and keep reduced things like thistles, especially if children may venture into the area. Thistles, Ivy and Honeysuckle can easily take over, kill other plants, crack pathways, fences, even buildings and become a real nuisance, so my advice is if you have any of these types of troublesome plants nearby or in your garden, keep them cut back each year and do not let them get out of control
Other ideas and thoughts about Heating homes
Consider in the morning if you are a busy family rushing around to get ready for work or school, movement will be keeping you warmer, whereas when you return home after eating dinner and when you wish to sit down to relax until bedtime, you will likely want to be warmer and more comfortable, slippers, a sweater and blankets may help, then later on when going up to bed consider thick bed clothes, thermal socks, an extra duvet and an over sized bed sheet tucked in at the edges will keep you warmer and the heating bill down
*Temperature should always be 18°C or above for those people who are aged 65 or over, who are not very mobile, or who have long term health conditions.
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