Yes, at last, it’s the first blog from Bookshelf Boyfriend Towers! So the first thing we would like to say is ‘Hello and welcome!’ and of course ‘Merry Festive Season!’.
Our blog is here to keep you informed on what’s going on at BookshelfBoyfriend.com and also to give you even more helpful tips and hints. Even more? Yes even more!
As the nights have drawn in and the days get colder we thought we would start with some handy tips on how to keep your bills down and the environment happy this winter
Winter can make for some hefty utility bills but it doesn’t have to be that way. Energy is a hot topic these days – we all need to do a little bit more to save what we can, but there is no need to start tearing out your roof for solar panels or ripping up your floor boards for eco water heating. Our tips are quick, easy and cheap ways to save energy and to keep the bills down without having to make major structural changes to your home, and without having to wear a hat in bed (although extra layers in the house are a great way to save energy and stay warm).
Always turn off the lights in rooms you are not using. It may seem simple but it is also very effective. Also, if you dont already have energy efficient light bulbs- get some, they last much longer than your standard light bulb and will end up saving you cash.
Have your heating somewhere between 18 – 20 degrees. Not only is it wasteful and expensive to have it any higher, it isn’t very good for you and can dry out your skin (leading to premature ageing!) and help those evil winter lurgie spread. If it’s warm enough to wear a t shirt in your house in winter then it is too warm!
Learn how to use your heating properly. Use the timer effieciently and for only when you are actually in the house. Leaving heating on when your not in will see your bills climb and your plants wither!
Find your water thermastat and make sure it is set no higher than 60 degrees.
Buy some radiator foil for behind your radiators. The foil can be bought lose and cut to size or bought in panels. It is inexpensive (around £4 per roll/panel) and can be picked up from most DIY stores. The foil will reflect any wasted heat back into the room – keeping you nice and toastie without having to turn up the heat.
Buy a jacket for your boiler! Old boilers tend to waste a lot of energy so get your boiler a Christmas gift of a nifty little jacket. Boiler jackets retail around £15 from most DIY stores and stop the heat escaping.
Defrost your freezer regularly – this will save you energy as your freezer will run more efficiently… DO NOT use a hair dryer to defrost it though, this defeats the purpose.
Use a small hob when cooking in a small pot. As simple as that. Also, when boiling water for cooking, do it in the kettle first.
Use draft excluders! They may seem old fashioned but draft excluders for your windows and doors are a fantastic way of keeping the heat in, as much as twenty per cent of heat can be lost through ill fitting doors and windows. Plus as an extra bonus BookshelfBoyfriend have found you details of how to make your very own kitch draft excluders!! See below- you can’t fail- its crafty, cheap and so very useful, and your grandmother would be proud! http://www.craftycrafty.tv/2007/09/how_to_make_your_own_dog_or_sn_1.html
Close your curtains at dusk – no matter how pretty the neighbours Christmas lights are.
And if there is even any need to tell you DONT LEAVE THINGS ON STANDBY, but we’re sure you dont do that anymore….
Our favourite tip though is if you have the luxury of a loved one, well, heck, why does love even have to come in to it? Sneak under the covers togther as often as possible. Nothing keeps you warm like the post coital glow. If you dont have someone to share the bed with there are ways and means to achieve that glow on your own… it just requires a wee bit more imagination….
If you enjoyed this, come and visit us at BookshelfBoyfriend.com!
DFE
December 22, 2007 at 11:34 am |
great stuff. well done.