Dion Dublin has joined forces with a major electrical utility brand to urge Brits to save on their energy bills this winter.
The former Aston Villa, Coventry and Norwich star has collaborated with E.ON Next to share five easy, five-minute jobs that can cost from as little as a fiver and could help the nation save on their bills this winter.
The tips launch to tackle myths as data shows a quarter (25%) of the public are put off energy proofing their home as they think it is too expensive, while two in 10 (20%) report they simply do not know where to start.
But energy savings don’t always come from major home improvements. In fact, some of the easiest ways to cut energy waste and save on bills can be done in minutes, cost less than expected or even use items many households already have.
Footballer turned property expert, Dublin, has drawn on insight from the E.ON Next app, to identify the top five jobs that could help British households save money this winter:
1) Insulate hot water pipes and tanks (average saving p/year: £154)
When you have paid to heat your water, the last thing you want is that heat escaping before it reaches your taps or radiators. Adding some simple foam insulation to exposed hot water pipes, or a jacket to your hot water tank, helps keep that warmth where it belongs.
2) Give your fridge and freezer a quick MOT (average saving p/year: £70)
Your fridge and freezer never get a day off, so it’s worth making sure they’re running efficiently. Check the door seals are still doing their job, give the condenser coils a dust and keep your freezer full. You can actually fill any empty spaces with a variety of items such as bags of ice or some bubble wrap.
3) Put radiator reflector panels to work (average saving p/year: £24)
If you have radiators on external walls, some of that lovely heat can end up warming the brickwork instead of your living room. Reflector panels sit behind the radiator and bounce heat back into the room, helping you get more from the warmth you’re already paying for.
4) Let plug timers do the thinking for you (average saving p/year: £8)
We’ve all left something switched on longer than planned. Plug timers take the hassle out of remembering by automatically turning appliances on and off at set times. They’re inexpensive to buy, easy to use and can help cut down on unnecessary energy use around the home.
5) Swap old bulbs for LEDs (average saving p/year: £36)
One of the easiest energy-saving upgrades you can make is changing old light bulbs for LEDs. They use far less electricity, last much longer and can be fitted in seconds. It’s a small change that can save you money every time you flick on a switch.
The tips follow research by the energy supplier which found the nation is in the dark about how quick and easy it can be to make your home more energy efficient, with 40% reporting they have never used LED lights, insulated hot water pipes (72%) or even heard of giving a fridge or freezer an MOT (67%). Data shows Brits are not aware they could be making savings after investing just 5 minutes of their time, as two thirds (67%) report they had no idea something as simple as placing reflector foils behind radiators could save them £24 a year, yet 52% report that savings information would motivate them to make changes.
Dublin said: "With energy costs top of mind for many households ahead of the colder months, many people assume making a home more energy efficient means expensive renovations, but often the biggest savings come from small, low-cost changes. The challenge isn't always cost, it's knowing where to start."
Ramona Vlasiu, Chief Operating Officer at E.ON Next, said: “Many households still believe improving energy efficiency means taking on major projects. By working with Dion Dublin, we want to show that practical, everyday changes can also make a difference, while helping customers better understand and manage their energy use through the tools and guidance available in the E.ON Next app.
“We know the colder months can bring added pressure, and no one should feel they have to manage that alone. A range of support is available, from direct financial help to flexible payment plans and practical advice. Customers can find out more about the support available to them via the dedicated customer support section of our website.”
What support is available?
As temperatures begin to drop, E.ON Next reminds customers that a wide range of support is available to help them stay warm this winter and manage their energy bills. Support includes financial assistance through the E.ON Next Energy Fund, competitive tariffs designed to keep bills lower, dedicated support for vulnerable customers through the Priority Services Register and access to specialist advice via charity partnerships.
E.ON Next’s partnership with Lightning Reach also gives customers a simpler way to access financial help. Via the free platform, customers can explore more than 2,500 grants and support schemes, alongside benefit checkers, debt advice and other vital support services, all through one trusted portal. Since it began, the partnership has facilitated an estimated £2.6 million in grants and £4.5million in identified benefits.
Where can households find personalised tips
Through the E.ON Next app, customers can access a full list of personalised energy efficiency tips, alongside the estimated annual savings for their household from energy data specialists Eliq, track their household’s energy use and see how their energy use compares to similar homes. E.ON Next customers can download the E.ON Next app on the App Store and Google Play.
To find out more about E.ON Next’s support, visit eonnext.com/customersupport
Share