17 January 2023 , 12:33
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With temperatures dropping below freezing across Britain this week, home improvement retailer Wickes have launched a range of energy-saving appliances that could help reduce the cost of bills.
According to new research from Wickes, people in the UK are buying certain energy-efficient products to cut costs around the home including energy-saving plugs, air fryers, draught excluders, and radiator foil.
The research by Wickes, who surveyed over 1,000 UK homeowners and rental tenants, also found that nearly all those surveyed say they are looking to increase the energy efficiency of their homes.
Nearly two thirds of UK households now also have loft insulation, and further figures show there has been an increase of more than a third in energy-saving products being installed over the last six months, with loft insulation one of the most popular.
As temperatures plummet, Wickes have launched a new interactive tool in a bid to help customers cut down costs. The 'Wickes Interactive Sustainable House' provides shoppers with the following hacks for making their homes more energy-efficient.
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If you have a loft, Wickes suggest trying insulation rolls that have a thickness of 200mm or above, such as their Knauf Insulation Super Top Up 200mm (£5.34 per sqm). Or, those with a 100mm thickness such as the Knauf Insulation Space Bottom Layer (£2.71 per sqm) can be combined with existing insulation to boost effectiveness.
Draught excluders are one of the easiest ways to help contain heat and boost the effectiveness of central heating. The Wickes Universal Chimney Draught Excluder (£18.50) is great for reducing draughts from the chimney and heat loss from the home.
Secondary glazing is also one of the most effective ways to reduce some of the heat loss caused by windows. The Wickes Seasonal Secondary Glazing Film (£6.50) provides an easy-to-fit solution to reducing heat loss and preventing draughts.
According to the survey by Wickes, six in 10 customers are aiming to find more sustainable solutions to combat the energy crisis. Wickes' Bio Bean Coffee Logs, £8.75, utilise recycled coffee grounds to create a compact fire log. The average coffee log generates 80% less emissions than landfill, making coffee logs a fantastic choice for sustainability as well as cost effectiveness.
Water bills are a key concern for most Brits with bills set to increase by 1.7% per year. Using a water saving shower head, such as the Wickes' Croydex Nero 5 Function Bathroom Shower Handset (£16), can reduce water usage by up to 50% without compromising on performance.
The survey also shows a rise in the number of shoppers opting for energy-saving lighting options over the last six months. LED lightbulbs, including Wickes Calex Range (starting from £5), are more energy efficient than traditional halogen bulbs.
You can shop the full Wickes range online.