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When the weather turns colder, you might need to find some inventive ways of keeping yourself warm, but just throwing money at the problem can cause its own issues so that is why we have compiled a list of the top 5 energy saving tips. Turning the heating up to the highest can sometimes be extremely expensive, and some forms of heaters cost a lot of money to run. In this article, we’re looking at the ways you can save money while keeping your home warm. How can you stay warmer but not face expensive energy bills at the end of the month? These tips are great for the environment as well as being great for your bank balance.
The first in our list of energy saving tips focuses on an issue we have all had to deal with as home owners or renters and that is draught. Many homes have a lot of places that the hot air can escape, and cold air work its way in. Even if you don’t realise it, just a small area, such as underneath a door, can cause big issues. They can lower the temperature drastically.
Draught excluders can be bought for all sorts of areas in your home including under the door, around windows and even for things like cat flaps, where the heat can escape your house. A quick online shop can find some draught excluders, but if you need to improvise, blankets under the bottom of a door, or even unused pillows can stop the draught.
If you think about how much of your home you spend a lot of time in, there are probably a couple of areas where you are for most of the day. This can be your bedroom and your living space, for example.
If heaters are on in spare rooms, hallways and large rooms you don’t spend a lot of time in, you might be throwing money at heating rooms that aren’t going to benefit you. If you find that you have to turn the heating up in one room, see if you can turn the radiators off in another room, for example. You might be able to ensure you spend more time in one or two rooms and make these nice and warm. Turning heaters off might sound like one of the simpler energy saving tips but you would be surprised how often it is overlooked.
We’re not suggesting sitting indoors in your coat. There are all sorts of clothes you can buy designed to lock in the heat. Thermal layers and underwear can make a huge difference and keep you exceptionally warm even during the coldest months. They also mean if you have to venture into the cooler rooms of your home, you won’t feel the cold as much.
Lots of manufacturers of activewear make specific clothes that are built for warmth. Wrapping up warm should be the first step you take, and can keep you very comfortable too.
Around ¼ of all of the heat in your home is lost through the roof. Insulating can be an extra expense up front, but in the longer term it can save you a lot of money. It means you can get the same temperature within your home without having to spend so much, and makes you much more energy efficient.
There are sometimes schemes offered by government to help with the cost of your insulation. It makes such a difference to the environment that governments are often willing to subsidise, so check what is available in your area.
You probably won’t be able to do this job yourself, but insulation in the loft can be a relatively short job for a tradesperson, especially if they are topping up the insulation rather than totally replacing it. Either way – this is one of those energy saving tips you won’t want to miss and will provide more efficient heating for your home in the long run.
If your boiler isn’t functioning properly, it can be eating up energy without you getting the benefits! Your boiler is probably integral to your heating, and though they can last for around 15 years before needing to be replaced, you should get them serviced every year.
If your boiler is getting older, you might also need to look at a replacement. This sounds daunting, and they are not cheap, but modern options can be far more efficient. This can save you money over time.
Boilers can also need to be insulated, you might be able to get this done as part of the service.
These energy saving tips are basic but can save you money in the long run. There’s nothing wrong with the old methods of extra layers and hot water bottles, though! Keep an eye on your energy bills to avoid a nasty shock entering the coldest months.
During the colder months, it can become even more important to feel safe and secure when going about your day-to-day life. Our personal alarm service is 24hrs a day 365 days a year, which means that no matter when you need us we will always be able to get you the help that you need. So if you want some extra support to relax and enjoy the festivities, you can try our Lifeline24 Pendant Alarm by calling us on 0800 999 0400 or ordering online.
When the winter has cleared (which we hope it will soon!), the days are finally starting to feel a bit brighter and spring is on the horizon. What better way to prepare for the rest of the year but with a touch of spring cleaning as you’re bound to feel much better after clearing out the house. Bounce into spring with our top 5 spring cleaning tips!
Rather than just start washing and cleaning like a maniac, it helps to make a plan. We know it sounds like one of the simpler of the spring cleaning tips but his is a way to ensure that things don’t get forgotten about. Spring cleaning is likely to take more than a day, so you should make a schedule for a week or two of cleaning. This is a way to spread out the jobs, too. When making your list, plan ahead so that you don’t ignore any of the rooms. List all of the jobs you need to do by room and break it down into sections so that it is more manageable.
If there are any jobs you can’t do (or simply don’t want to) then you can build in appointments with oven cleaners or deep cleaners. A simple search for local cleaning companies will find people happy to come and take care of some of the less glamorous and more difficult jobs.
A good vacuum cleaner can make a lot of your cleaning a whole lot easier, but you should keep it in good condition. Don’t start using your vacuum cleaner before you have checked it is up to it. Most vacuums have HEPA filters these days, and this can be a great way to catch allergens and other unwanted particles and keep the air quality much better in your home. Check the filter, as it might need to be replaced. It won’t be at its best without a clean filter, and can even disturb allergens and make the air worse.
If your vacuum is a bit dated, you might think about some accessories or even a replacement. Dusting brushes or tools that can be used for the stairs or crevices can make life a whole lot easier. Let your vacuum do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to spring cleaning.
We’ve probably all got things around the house we simply don’t need. We may hold onto things “just in case” we ever need them. There are numerous rules you can follow to get rid of things if you are a hoarder. Obviously, don’t get rid of anything you are going to need, but you will probably be amazed at the feeling when you have decluttered your home. It makes everything feel cleaner and fresher, ready to welcome those sunnier days. It also makes the process of cleaning and organising that bit easier.
It may be the most basic and simplistic of spring cleaning tips, but it is so easy to forget about! If you are deep cleaning a room, always go from the top to the bottom. For instance, dusting shelves should be done before vacuum cleaning the floor. This means that if you knock debris down to the floor, you won’t end up having to clean it again.
This is a simple time-saving tip. It won’t transform the way you spring clean, but it will make for a far more efficient way of cleaning.
Arguably the most important area for you to clean during your spring cleaning is the kitchen. Kitchen cabinets can fill up with dust, out of date food can start to attract pests and appliances like your oven and fridge can become hotbeds for germs if not cleaned regularly. The kitchen can be a bit of a challenge when spring cleaning. It’s worth spending more time on than the other areas. Be sure to wipe down your surfaces, soak your pots and pans in hot soapy water, and clear out any food that is no longer in date.
If you need some extra help, oven cleaning companies can take some of the hard jobs out of your hands. The kitchen can become dangerous if dirty, so make sure you do all those jobs that you’ve been putting off, like clearing out the fridge and freezer or deep cleaning the cabinets.
We have a range of price plans you can choose from to best fit your needs. These are the Annual Plan, Monthly Plan and Lifetime Plan. All of our pricing plans offer:
Choose an emergency call button plan from one of our three Price Plan options or call us free on 0800 999 0400 to order over the phone.
UK caravan holidays can be a great option for the elderly to enjoy the most beautiful areas with minimal hassle. For most, accessibility is a constant worry and the idea of going abroad can be very daunting. Britain has many wonderful spots that are spectacular in spring. As the warmth starts to return, and flowers start to bloom again, there are some great spots to enjoy the spring air. In this article, we’re exploring the best spring time holidays for the elderly, where to visit and the considerations for those who may have mobility needs due to age.
Devon is a wonderful place to explore no matter what age you are and there’s a good reason it is our top choice in a list of UK caravan holidays. It’s one of Britain’s largest counties, and is full of heritage sites as well as modern places to stay. The location in the south means that the cold is less likely to be an issue. Springtime can still be a bit on the cold side for the elderly, especially if you are exploring. Devon has many campsites and caravan parks offering accessible caravans. Wheelchair ramps, adapted showers and even disabled parking near the caravans should be simple to find.
Beverly Holidays offer well-situated caravans with lots of features to suit the elderly and disabled. Devon has a beautiful seaside as well as attractions such as Buckland Abbey, dating back to the 1200s. You can explore Powderham castle as well as many stunning beaches.
The elderly can enjoy exploring nature, too! The Lake District is one of the gems of the UK, and though it might be tricky if you stay somewhere more hilly, there are plenty of suitable spots for caravan holidays.
Whether you are touring in your own caravan or looking for a rental, there are lots of options. The Lake District is a popular spot from spring through to autumn and is therefore perfect for UK caravan holidays. The local government website even has a list of recommended sites. You can check their facilities on the site to check if they are suitable. Elderly people may need some assistance getting around some of the attractions in the area, especially if they have mobility issues, however, there are loads of great walks for elderly people who love to explore. Visit beautiful, rustic towns like Kendal or famous areas including Lake Windermere.
The “South Coast” may sound a little generic! There are some amazing spots to visit including Bournemouth and Poole, but other cities in the area may be suitable for UK caravan holidays too.
Bournemouth and Poole are popular spots for retirees, and they have some of the oldest populations by average age. These towns are ideal, with plenty to see, and a lot of suitable places for elderly people to stay, including caravan sites. Bournemouth.co.uk offers some great information on where to stay. Rockley Park is one of the best options. It is right next to Poole Harbour and also close to the award-winning Sandbanks Beach and a national park. The rest of Dorset is easy to reach and there is always plenty to do.
Rockley park has different levels of adapted caravan, for mild and moderate mobility issues. There are plenty of facilities on site, too. This isn’t the only option as there are plenty of caravan sites in the area. Dorset is fairly easy to navigate by train as well as car.
The north of Wales is one of the most stunning areas in the whole of the UK. Snowdonia national park is a special spot, with views of Snowdon. If you like the outdoors, there are trails and walks as well as beautiful waterfalls. The history of the area is also evident when you are staying, and there are multiple unspoilt castles to visit. Caernarfon Castle is an incredibly beautiful castle with waterfront views.
There are many beautiful lodges and caravans available with accessibility features. You can search by feature on Hoeseasons to find something suitable for your UK caravan holidays.
The East of England is a beautiful place to enjoy spring. As well as loads of coastal towns and resorts, you can enjoy the Norfolk Broads and beautiful country estates such as Blickling Hall and Sandringham.
Norfolk is fantastic for exploring fenland, dunes, beaches and is a hotspot for bird watching. If you want to reconnect with nature and visit a relatively flat county (the walks aren’t too challenging) Norfolk could be for you. Whether you stay in coastal Hunstanton, near the city of Norwich or somewhere in the broads, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding suitable caravans.
If you love the sea air, Norfolk can spoil you with over 90 miles of coastline to explore. Most coastal towns have caravan parks for you to choose from.
We have a range of price plans you can choose from to best fit your needs. These are the Annual Plan, Monthly Plan and Lifetime Plan. All of our pricing plans offer:
Choose an emergency call button plan from one of our three Price Plan options or call us free on 0800 999 040 to order over the phone.