High Water Bill? How to Tell if You Have a Hidden Water Leak
Leak Detection
If usage has not changed but your high water bill keeps rising, a hidden leak may be to blame. Greenstar finds and repairs leaks using non-invasive tools.
Struggling with sky-high energy bills? You’re not alone. According to Money Saving Expert, UK households are facing a dramatic rise in energy costs, with heating alone accounting for about 55% of energy bills. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to make drastic lifestyle changes or break the bank on upgrades to lower your energy consumption. By making a few easy changes to your heating, plumbing, and air conditioning, you can cut energy bills and boost your home’s efficiency.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical, cost-effective actions to reduce energy bills in the UK. Whether you’re optimising your heating, fixing water leaks, or boosting air conditioning, each step counts.
Heating is one of the biggest contributors to high energy bills. If your heating system isn’t running efficiently, you could be wasting energy and money without even realising it.
These devices help you adjust the heating automatically to match your schedule. So, you don’t waste energy when you’re out or sleeping. Ofgem says that if you install programmable heating controls, like smart thermostats, you could save about £110 each year.
This tiny adjustment can lead to savings of up to £80 a year on heating bills. This easy fix lowers energy use and maintains comfort in your home.
Annual servicing by a Gas Safe–registered engineer keeps about 90% of your boiler’s efficiency. This helps avoid the usual 5–10% performance drop seen in unserviced systems. Regular servicing helps your boiler work efficiently. This can prevent costly breakdowns and extend its lifespan. Our team offer expert boiler servicing to keep your system in top shape.
Sealing gaps around windows, doors, and floors can prevent heat from escaping, reducing the workload on your heating system. Draught-proofing your windows and doors can save the average household £70–£90 a year on heating costs, says Energy Saving Trust. Simple fixes, like weatherstripping and draught excluders, can help keep your home warm and your energy bills down.
If your boiler is over 10 years old, consider upgrading to a condensing boiler. These modern systems are much more efficient, using less fuel to heat your home, which leads to long-term savings on energy bills. Under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, condensing boilers must now reach at least 90% seasonal efficiency. In contrast, older non-condensing models only achieve 70–80%. Our team offer a range of efficient boiler installations to meet your needs.
Water leaks are often an unnoticed drain on your energy bills. Whether it’s a leaky tap, pipe, or radiator, even a small leak can waste both water and the energy needed to heat it.
Leaks may not always be obvious, but even small ones can add up over time, increasing your energy bills. Check for damp spots, increased water bills, or unusual sounds from radiators. If you’re unsure, our leak detection services can help you identify leaks early and prevent further waste.
Want to reduce water consumption without sacrificing performance? These fittings help you use less water, meaning your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard to heat it, ultimately lowering your energy bills.
Get alerted of hidden leaks that might go unnoticed. BBC Future states that early leak alerts, especially in hot-water pipes, can save hundreds of pounds on energy and repair costs. These devices can detect issues early, allowing you to prevent further damage and unnecessary energy waste. Catching leaks early can save you hundreds in repair and energy costs.
The Guardian notes that adding 20 mm of foam lagging to hot-water pipes can save about £25 a year by cutting heat loss. Uninsulated pipes waste energy by allowing heat to escape as water travels through them. Insulating your pipes helps keep heat inside. This means your boiler works less to maintain water temperature. As a result, you save energy and reduce your bills. Simple pipe insulation is an affordable and easy upgrade.
A dripping tap might seem insignificant, but over time, it can waste a surprising amount of water and energy. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a single dripping tap can waste up to 5,500 litres of water annually. Fixing this minor issue will help reduce both water and energy consumption in your home.
Air conditioning is key for staying comfortable in the heat, but it can drive up energy costs if not used wisely.
For every degree you lower the temperature, energy consumption can increase by up to 10%. GOV.UK’s Heatwave Plan for England mentions research from BEIS. It shows that for every 1 °C drop in the cooling setpoint, electricity use rises by 6–10%. By raising the temperature by just a few degrees, you can keep your home cool while saving money on your electricity bills.
Fans help circulate the cool air from your AC, meaning you can set the thermostat higher and still enjoy a comfortable indoor temperature. Fans are an inexpensive, energy-efficient addition to your cooling system.
A clogged filter restricts airflow, causing the system to work harder and consume more energy. By cleaning or replacing the filter every 1-3 months, you’ll improve your AC’s performance and reduce energy costs.
When your AC unit is exposed to direct sunlight, it has to work harder to cool the air, using more energy. Installing your AC in a shaded spot or using external shading can help it operate more efficiently and save you money.
The BBC warns that even when idle, many vampire devices draw standby power. Therefore, entirely switching off or using a timer/smart control avoids hidden phantom loads. There’s no need to keep your AC running when you’re not home. If you’re leaving for a long time, use a smart thermostat. It will automatically turn off the AC when you’re not home, helping you save energy.
You don’t need costly upgrades or major lifestyle changes to reduce your energy bills. By optimising your heating, fixing leaks, and improving air conditioning, you can start saving on energy costs. These simple adjustments minimise energy usage while making your home eco-friendlier.
At Greenstar, we’re ready to help optimise your home’s heating, plumbing, and cooling systems for maximum efficiency. Our team offers boiler servicing, smart leak detection, and AC maintenance to help you save energy and money. Start saving today. Whether it’s a new boiler or AC service, we’ve got you covered.
Call 01202 355 344 or arrange a free energy audit to discuss energy-efficient solutions for your home.
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