Easy ways to keep your energy bills low in a new home

One of the best things about moving into a brand-new home is how energy efficient it already is.

High-quality insulation, double-glazed windows, modern boilers and smart heating systems all work together to reduce your carbon footprint and keep your energy bills lower all year round.

But even the most energy-efficient home can benefit from smart everyday habits. By making small, practical changes to how you live day to day, you can stretch those energy savings further and allow you to enjoy a more comfortable home without compromising on the way you live.

1. Make your heating smarter around your routine

Your heating system is one of the biggest contributors to your energy use, but you can try setting a daily schedule instead of leaving it running constantly.

For example, you can set the heating to turn on 30 minutes before you wake up so your home is warm in the morning without having it on all night. You can also schedule it to come on just before you get home from work, so you walk into a comfortable space without wasting energy throughout the day.

Lowering your thermostat slightly while you are asleep or out of the house can also add up to big energy savings over time. Even a one-degree drop can make a real difference without having to give up on comfort.

2. Make the most of the natural light

Natural light can play a really important role in keeping your home warmer and brighter, especially during the winter months. Opening curtains and blinds early in the day lets the sun’s natural warmth heat up your living spaces. Then in the evening, closing your blinds can trap heat indoors, making it easier to maintain a natural temperature.

Where you position furniture also matters. Keeping windows clear of bulky furniture and making sure sunlight can flow freely throughout your rooms helps the whole house feel brighter and more inviting too. Additionally, adding mirrors opposite windows can reflect light deeper into the room, reducing the need to keep lights on during the day.

3. Choose appliances that match how you live

Appliances around your home can quietly use a lot of energy over time, but choosing ones that fit your lifestyle can make a big difference. If you’re looking to buy a new fridge, washing machine or dishwasher, look for energy efficiency ratings. Modern energy-efficient appliances often use far less water and electricity while still performing just as well.

Smaller habits can also make an impact. If you regularly run your dishwasher or washing machine, try to do it with full loads instead of several smaller ones. And if you cook regularly, using lids on pans and batch cooking meals can save energy by keeping heat in and reducing how often you need to use the oven or hob.

4. Keep radiators and vents clear for better heat flow

When radiators and vents are blocked by sofas, beds or storage units, warm air can’t circulate properly, meaning your heating system has to work harder to achieve the same temperature.

Leaving space around these areas allows heat to spread evenly throughout your home, so rooms feel warmer faster and stay a comfortable temperature for longer. This can also give your living space a more open, balanced feel, which can make your rooms more enjoyable to spend time in.

5. Unplug and power off

Even when they look switched off, many household devices still draw small amounts of power. Common culprits include TVs, gaming consoles, kitchen appliances and chargers. Over time, these small amounts add up. Try unplugging devices when you’re not using them or using a smart plug to turn several items off at once to stop wasting energy altogether.

You can build this into your daily routine without much thought. For example, turning off appliances before bed or unplugging chargers in the morning can become second nature. Not only does this save money but it also makes your home feel more organised and less cluttered with cables and blinking lights.

Energy efficient homes for sale

Looking for a home that’s modern, comfortable and built for smarter living? Explore Tilia Homes’ energy-efficient homes for sale here.