Tag: money saving

  • Water, water

    With flooding causing misery for many, discussing the wastage of water may seem at best untimely. However, our increasing demand for water as well as changing weather patterns mean this essential commodity can’t be taken for granted.

    The National Home Improvement Council held a lunch at the House of Commons on 25 June to highlight the need to reduce demand and conserve water.

    In the UK, we flush 30% of our domestic water down the toilet, with 21% used in bathing and washing, and 12% in showering, explained Tony Rheinberg of Ideal Standard.

    We don’t think we’re using as much water as we do, either, estimating our usage at about a quarter of what it actually is.

    Modern bathroom fittings designed to minimise water usage without compromising on the efficiency and luxury we’re after are part of the answer. Look out for the Water Label to find efficient buys.

    With only around a third of us in the UK on water meters, it’s hard to focus on water usage in the same way we might on our electricity and gas. But it’s worth remembering that if you get through less hot water, you will save money on your energy bills and there aren’t many of us who’d pass up that opportunity in the current financial climate.

    But wouldn’t it help if the government created incentives for homeowners to install water-conserving options? A toilet scrappage scheme isn’t glamorous, but it would save an awful lot of water.

  • Save on appliances

    The rising costs of energy have put a strain on many households’ finances. According to research by Smart New Homes, this means 82% of home buyers now look for energy-efficient features in a new home.

    If you’re staying put, though, there are ways to reduce your home’s running costs. One simple approach is to replace appliances with more energy-efficient versions when the time comes. The energy labels will help you choose, but there are plenty of A-rated appliances out there, so most of us will end up relying on the price tag.

    Yet an appliance that seems cheap when you key in your card details can end up costing you far more over its lifetime than one where the initial outlay is greater – despite the fact that both are A rated.

    To get the best deal you need to know the total of the purchase price plus the running costs of the appliances you’re interested in, and there is a simple way to find out. Which? has created an energy cost calculator that will allow you to compare lifetime costs for all the fridges, washing machines, tumble-dryers, dishwashers and TVs it has tested. Useful in these tough times when a little help in reducing electricity bills won’t go amiss.