How to reduce the energy bills in your Shared Ownership home

No matter what kind of home you live in, it’s always worth looking for ways to achieve cheaper energy bills.

Not only will you be saving money every month, but reducing your energy usage is great for the environment. If you live in a Shared Ownership home, you’re already doing your bit; new-build homes use around 65% less energy than older houses, thanks to improvements in housebuilding and insulation. 

But how else can you keep your average energy bill down? As the experts in all things Shared Ownership, we’re here to help. 

Please note: these tips are intended for informational purposes only, and we cannot guarantee that your bill will change. For more information, please speak to your supplier.

Eliminate energy wastage

Sometimes, reducing your energy bill is just about being smarter with how your home operates. This can mean keeping an eye on ‘energy vampires’ like plugged-in phone chargers or kitchen gadgets that aren’t in use. 

You could also be conscious about how you use your curtains and windows to conserve energy. Keeping your curtains open during the day allows sunlight to naturally warm your home. Just make sure to close them at night and keep your Shared Ownership property cosy when outside temperatures drop. 

While new-build Shared Ownership homes often have far better insulation than older properties, you also want to stay on top of any drafts you might feel. Have you properly closed your kitchen windows, or locked up your back door? Little habits like these can result in cheaper energy bills all year round.

Make minor adjustments

When trying to achieve cheaper energy bills, it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Making smaller changes to your Shared Ownership home can result in big savings in the long run. 

For example, when it comes to your central heating, turning the temperature down a small notch can have a huge impact. One study found that just a 1°C decrease between 22°C and 18°C resulted in £130 less spent on energy bills every year. 

If you’re investing in new heaters, such as for a home office, make sure to pay attention to the details. Infrared heaters can sometimes seem pricier on paper, but they’re eco-friendly and efficient; reducing your energy bills for months down the line.

Hold off on high-consumption gadgets

Sometimes we opt for convenience over cheaper energy bills. One of the most frequent examples of this is with tumble dryers, which dry clothes quickly and easily but also consume more energy than almost any other appliance in your home. 

If you’re able to, drying your clothes the old-fashioned way with a clothes horse or drying rack could help to save big every year. You might also want to invest in a dehumidifier to keep moisture to a minimum during the colder months of the year. 

Similarly, many washing machines have eco settings that will keep their energy consumption to a minimum – reducing your average bills and potentially prolonging the life of your kitchen appliances in the long run.

Shop around for the best deals

If you’re incorporating all of the above and still aren’t reducing your energy bills as much as you’d like, it might be worth getting in touch with your management provider or supplier directly. 

Many suppliers will be able to work out a payment structure with you that works alongside your other Shared Ownership rent and service charge costs, to help reduce your energy bills to more manageable levels.