Staying warm is very important, particularly when the UK cold weather is growing more severe. In December 2022, over 1000 people died as a result of living in cold homes according to End Fuel Poverty.<\/p>\n
However, bills for heating are high and the use of central heating can be bad for the environment, especially with gas boilers. Instead of turning on the central heating, first try throwing on a jumper or two (bonus points if it\u2019s Christmas themed!).<\/p>\n
![\"Thermometer\"](\"https:\/\/theview.boltonschool.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Thermometer.png\" "\\"Thermometer\\"")
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Why not try moving about and doing some exercise? This will be even more beneficial if you have been sitting down for a long time, as around 80% of energy used for contracting muscles is converted to heat energy.<\/p>\n
Or you can set timers on your heating, so it isn\u2019t on for too much time. Also make sure that you turn off radiators in rooms you aren\u2019t using.<\/p>\n
Another way is to draught-proof gaps in doors, windows and walls which saves up to \u00a3105 per year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.<\/p>\n
They also say that turning your heating down by 1\u00b0C can save you up to \u00a380 a year. The ideal temperature is somewhere between 18\u00b0C and 21\u00b0C (lower for healthier, young people and higher for older people or people with disabilities). So, turning the heat down doesn\u2019t only save you money but the environment at the same time.<\/p>\n
Electricity<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Everyone knows the basics of saving energy. The first way is usually turning the lights off, especially in rooms you aren\u2019t using or during the day when there is natural light. However, the Energy Saving Trust says that turning off the lights can save up to \u00a325 per year.<\/p>\n Another way of saving money is not overfilling your kettle. When you are making your hot chocolate (or any hot drink), instead of pouring water in and just guessing, you could fill up the mug with cold water and then pour it into the kettle. This can save you up to \u00a311 per year.<\/p>\n Christmas Time<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Around Christmas time, more electricity is used for many reasons. Fairy lights, cooking the turkey in the oven and having a Christmas movie marathon. On Christmas day alone<\/strong>, in the UK, we use \u00a366 million of electricity. That is roughly the amount that would power the Eiffel Tower for 50 years. So how can this be reduced?<\/p>\n By switching to LED lights, you can save money. According to EDF Energy, incandescent lights can cost 83% more than LEDs in energy bills, and LEDs last much longer. They are also safer, especially with younger children in the house as they don\u2019t get hot.<\/p>\n Another way to save money when cooking food in the oven is to leave the door shut and to not keep checking on the foods progress. The air from outside the oven enters, cooling down the oven meaning it needs more energy to heat back up to temperature.<\/p>\n You might find the following links useful to help you navigate ways to conserve energy:<\/p>\n![\"Kettle\"](\"https:\/\/theview.boltonschool.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Kettle.png\" "\\"Kettle\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Fairylights\"](\"https:\/\/theview.boltonschool.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Fairylights.jpg\" "\\"Fairylights\\"")
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