When you get your energy bill, you probably have a mini-heart attack, right? Yes, it’s quite a lump to swallow that that much is leaving your account, and that you’ve spent that much. While we can complain about how energy companies may or may not be screwing us over till the cows come home, we can control one thing: our usage. It begins and stays with us. While we all like to think that we’re not wasteful and have tightened our belts, you’ll be amazed at the ways you can be losing energy and resources through your home.

Below are 5 common ways that energy is leaking out of your household right now, and what you can do to fix it. Remember all these tips on their own, might not seem like much; but added up and collated over a period for which you’re charged, can make a big difference.

1: Doors and Windows

Many of us will have experiences living with people who insist on having windows open to get a breeze going through the building. Sometimes it’s because they get short of breath quite easily or simply are used to cooler temperatures when they sleep at night. This can even happen in the winter when it’s freezing cold outside but they’ll insist on a drought. Essentially, you’ll have your heating on so you can warm out the outdoors because all your heat will be flying out the window. If you must have windows open for someone, close them when they leave and make sure all windows are closed. You’ll be surprised how often windows that are inaccessible, high up, or obstructed from view go left open. It’s a security risk if anything. If sleeping with a window open is considered a mus by someone in your home, make sure their door is closed so you don’t have to suffer.

2: Cracks in Frames

This can occur in many buildings but often student housing is the biggest offender. Watch that you’re careful when shutting doors and windows, as cracks in the frame can happen which let out heat or let in cold winds. Fix them up properly with a filler, or for a short-term solution, stuff some sort of padding in the gap, such as J-cloths. Avoid slamming doors and windows. If you struggle to do so it might mean the hinge needs oiling or tweaking.

3: Showers

Check the hose of your showerhead for any holes which might be letting excess water out. The hose is the cable which connects the showerhead to the system or tap. It can easily disintegrate or be pulled on and create a hole over time. It can be difficult to see such a flaw when in the show; you’re either half asleep in the morning, have your back turned or will have glasses removed. It can also be difficult to judge that water is only coming out of the place it should be when so much is being sprayed out onto you.

4: The Hallway

The control of heat within a household is very important to keeping heat where you want it and not letting it escape. After all, it’s you paying for that heat coming through radiators at the radiator centre so you might as well enjoy it in the room you’re in. So check that radiators in other rooms aren’t on unnecessarily. Usually people think control of heat within the home equates to solely solid wall insulation and such; but here, we’re talking about simple things that you can do yourself. A draught from the front door can be blocked with excluders. Get in the habit of shutting room doors, so heat is confined to that room only and doesn’t move to the passage or hallway where you’re unlikely to gather and spend time.

5: Lights

You’ve probably been battered around the head with this one but it’s one of the most common ways to lose energy. If we live in busy households with people coming and going (like friends of the kids), lights can get left on or multiple rooms occupied at once. If you can, try and herd everyone into one or two rooms, rather than walk back and forth which many teens tend to do rather than settle in one place. Kids can get over-excited and forget to turn lights off. The other occurrence is when the weather suddenly changes from drab to sunny and you’ve had a light on; it’s easy to forget it’s on because it blends in with the new sunlight.

About the author: Paul knows how important it is to keep utility bills down from his time as a student. He is currently working alongside a green deal advisor who provides services such as energy assessment and information for individuals and businesses about being more eco-friendly.test