We maybe in the midst of a warm, sunny summer. However, that is no reason to not think about saving energy in the home. There are opportunities to be saving energy in the home all year round. Some of the savings are only small – but they all add up, producing a cleaner environment and more money in your pocket.
1. Energy Saving Bulbs. Save around £35-£40 a year with LED/Energy Saving Bulbs. Although they cost more to buy they use less energy and last a great deal longer than regular bulbs.
2. Lower Your Thermostat Temperature. You can save between 2-4% on your heating for each degree you drop on your thermostat. An easy way to save here is to drop the temperature 1 degree at a time, and keep doing this over several days until you arrive at a temperature that you find comfortable. It could easily save 10% or more off your heating costs.
3. Cover Bare Floors – A rug is a great way to cover a bare floor and reduce heat loss. Some people do like the look and feel of a bare floor. However, it is not that energy efficient. So unless you can’t live without a bare floor we would suggest covering it either totally with carpet, or even just a rug.
4. Unplug Battery Chargers – A battery charger often uses current when not in use, but when still plugged in. When you are not charging a battery simply remove from the socket or switch off to save money.
5. Select Energy Saving Appliances – Take the time to look for energy saving appliances when the time comes to renew. EU efficiency labels score appliances from A+++ to D, the former being the most efficient. The more efficient an appliance, the cleaner it will be for the environment, and it will be cheaper to run too.
6. Dust Your Fridge – The coils fitted to the back of your fridge collect dust, and over time can become less efficient, costing you more to run, as the appliance efficiency reduces. Taking less than a minute to dust every few months will save you money.
7. Wood & Multi Fuel Stoves – How could we leave this one out! If you have been reading our various posts and articles about stove efficiency, you will already be an expert in how to ensure the maximum efficiency of your stove. As a refresh, our stove tips can be found here
8. Block Out The Sun – If you have air conditioning, ensure it does not need to work excessively hard and use unnecessary energy, by using shades and blinds where possible.
9. Hob and Pots – Many people waste energy by cooking on a hob, which is too big for the pan. Always ensure you match the hob with the pan. This is an easy way to save money and energy. It also helps avoid boiling over too!
10. Reduce Your Water Temperature – Many households have their water far too hot, which is a waste. A quick and easy tip here is to reduce the water temperature in small intervals until you reach a level you are happy with (i.e the lowest temperature, which is still comfortable to use).
As an environmentally focused manufacture of highly efficient stoves and gas fires, we are aware of pressing need to think more about our carbon footprint, and to save energy. For more about our range please request a brochure here.
