Bromford shares energy-saving tips as clocks go back

With rising energy costs continuing to make finances uncertain for many households, Bromford’s energy-efficient new-build homes can see buyers save on heating and electricity compared to those purchasing an existing property.

Recent data from the Home Builders’ Federation (HBF) 1 revealed that buyers of new build properties can save up to £2,400 per year on energy bills, while new build homes emit on average 63% less carbon per year. The report details that 86 per cent (up from 85 per cent in 2023) of new build homes are rated A or B for energy efficiency while five per cent of existing homes reached the same standard.

As part of its commitment to supporting its buyers and existing Shared Owners after their home purchases, Bromford is sharing its advice on how to further save on energy bills to help their income go that little bit further through the winter months.

Catherine Jarrett, Director of Sales and Marketing at Bromford, said: “We’re very proud of the energy-efficiency of our new homes, which is testament to the great partnerships with fantastic developers across the Midlands and the South West.

“With energy prices still a concern, we wanted to share our expertise on how to keep bills as low as possible while staying warm and comfortable.”

Watch your water usage

Shorter showers, turning off the taps in between uses, and ensuring taps aren’t dripping are just three ways to bring down your water bill. Brushing teeth for two minutes is the golden rule, however turning the taps off while brushing can save a lot of wasted water from being used.

Using a pre-existing dual flush on a toilet or having one installed will help too, with a lighter flush mechanism meaning less water and energy is required each time.

With showers, turning off the water while shampooing is recommended, and water-efficient showerheads use around half of the water of standard ones.2

Switch up your lighting

Naturally, the absence of natural light from the mid-afternoon onwards will put more pressure on your internal lighting systems, so consider switching from traditional, high-wattage systems to a lower-energy or LED source.

LED lighting works just as effectively in illuminating your home, while using up to 90 percent less energy and lasting up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.3

Where possible, try to avoid the ‘big light’ which is designed to target a whole room, instead electing for a lamp, which covers a more localised area.

Stop draughts

Stopping heat from escaping through gaps can help keep energy bills to a minimum. Many homeowners use draught excluders against the bottom of internal doors, plugging the gaps, however draughts are not limited to the entrance of each room.

Windows and external doors are also big contributors to cold air seeping through, so ensure your windows are up to standard, ie double- or triple-glazed, and that the sills are secured with no slits or gaps.

Install a smart meter

A smart meter is a modern method of monitoring energy consumption, which provides real-time tracking and analysis to help you understand where you’re using the most.

The small device can be placed in a convenient area like a kitchen counter or hallway and can connect to your phone, tablet or computer, helping you to track your usage and manage bills more accurately.

Understanding where you’re spending money on energy can not only reduce waste, but also help with budgeting, targeting where not to consume, and keeping your suppliers updated with how much you actually spend rather than an estimate.

Invest in energy-efficient appliances

Upgrading as many appliances as possible towards greater efficiency can culminate in a significant reduction in bills each month.

Energy-efficient appliances not only lower your bills but also reduce your carbon footprint. Consider upgrading your washing machine, fridge, or other household devices to models with higher energy efficiency ratings which can lead to significant savings over time.

Not only this, but kettles, toasters, microwaves, ovens come in low-energy alternatives, with air fryers diverting the need to fire your oven up as often, providing a quicker cooking period.

Bromford is part of the National Shared Ownership campaign supported by the National Housing Federation. The campaign to raise awareness of Shared Ownership, supported by almost 50 organisations.