Each term we focus on a different Sustainability topic and now we start thinking about conserving energy. No, that doesn’t by sleeping all day, we were thinking more of useful hacks to use less gas, electric and water - do we really need to leave the heater, lights and chargers on when we’re out? All our sites are working towards reducing energy consumption in any way we can; from LED lights on sensors to new types of heating; we are always looking for ways to save precious energy that don’t compromise our customers’ enjoyment of their homes. Here’s a few tips that you can use:

• Time your showers – try reducing to 4 minutes or less and feel great knowing you’re still smelling great whilst saving energy. 

• Only boil enough water for what you need – when making a hot drink just put enough for a cuppa in the kettle. 

• Using a slow cooker, microwave, or air fryer helps reduce energy usage compared to an oven-baked meal.  

• Remove fluff from the machine before drying your clothes – it’ll dry them more quickly saving you time and money. 

• For more tips head to Top 10 energy saving tips at home - Energy Saving Trust 

As you may have noticed, we are a little obsessed with the weather and now it is getting cold so we’ve got a few ideas on how you can keep warm – don’t mention it!

• Keep as active as possible to boost your circulation. Move around at least once an hour (put an alarm on your phone to remind you) and avoid sitting still for long periods. Even light exercise will help keep you warm. When you do sit down, put your feet up as it’s coldest nearest the ground. As the saying goes, there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. Layers are key! Invest in thermal underwear that can then be layered with jumpers, fleeces, and coats or jackets. You’ll be retaining heat and style! 

• Keep a look out for clothing made from wool, cotton or fleecy fabric as these trap heat the best. Lastly, top it all off with an outer layer like a jacket or waterproof when going outside. Where possible, buy from second hand shops to reduce your carbon footprint and spend less.  

• Remember, a blanket isn’t just for Christmas! If you get a little chilly in your flat, you don’t always have to put the heating on, you can cuddle up under a blanket whilst watching your latest Netflix obsession!  

• Duvets usually come with a ‘Tog’ rating attached - the Tog Scale is a way of measuring the heat retention properties of a given material, so the higher the tog, the toastier the duvet! 

• Keep your curtains open in the day to let light and warmth in and close them before it gets dark to avoid losing heat.  

• Get cooking! Nothing warms you up quite like a hot meal or snack – think yummy and healthy porridge, hot chocolate, soups, stews, curry and jacket potatoes! Head to our Socials page to check out some recipe ideas