Making your home energy efficient is definitely a bright idea! Whatever your motivation to make energy saving changes, whether it’s to save the planet – or save your bank account – there are plenty of things you can do to make your home more energy efficient.
Zero cost changes – There are several things you can do that will cost you nothing and save both money and energy straight away. First, always turn appliances off at the socket instead of leaving on standby. The average UK household spends £30 a year on electricity for appliances in standby mode. If remembering to go around switching everything off feels like an extra headache, look into purchasing a standby saver. These handy gadgets enable you to turn off all your appliances from standby in one go.
Don’t get overheated. Generally, turning down your thermostat by one degree will save around £75 per year n heating costs. And when you’re buying a new radiator, you can work out how big it needs to be for your room. This British Thermal Units calculator does the sums for you.
Banish those draughts – find ways to improve your draught proofing and insulation. If your windows and doors are letting valuable heat escape, look into resealing your windows and external doors. Self-adhesive foam strips are readily available from most DIY stores. They cost very little and are easy to fit yourself. By preventing heat from escaping, your central heating will be more efficient.
Save water, save money. OK, it’s not strictly energy, but saving water will benefit both the world and your wallet. Many of us are guilty of leaving the tap running longer than necessary and all those drops add up. Remember to turn the tap off while brushing your teeth, having a shave or washing your face. Showers use less water than baths, and if you really mean business you could consider a water-saving shower head, which limits the flow of water by up to 40 per cent.
Heating water is expensive and most households heat more than they need each day – and not just through the central heating. Try to use lower temperature cycles on dishwashers and washing machines. Also try to only run these appliances when they are full. Obviously most of us aren’t going to run out to buy more energy efficient appliances today, but it’s something to consider when they need replacing. Plus, products with a ‘water efficient’ product label or the Water Wise Recommended checkmark will help save water, energy and money.
Go solar. Solar panels may be something to consider if you are prepared for a bit of investment – they’re not cheap and many of the original ‘free’ deals have ended. But solar panels can be a bonus in the long term: it’s a renewable energy source that will reduce your electricity bills, and if you generate more electricity than you use you could even receive payments for exporting it to the national grid.
We hope you’re now feeling full of your own energy to start making some savings. According to the Energy Saving Trust, 22 per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions come from our homes. So, every change you make will contribute to a better future for you and the planet.
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