How to save energy around the home
We all know how important it is to not waste energy and resources in order to protect the environment, but from a more selfish point of view it can also benefit us by saving us money. Why give energy suppliers more money when you can keep it for yourself just by turning off a light?
It's easy to think that energy resources are the government's problem and there is little that we can do to help, but if everyone makes just a small effort to be more efficient, we will save much more energy than you would imagine.
Things you can do to help save energy
- Switch to energy efficient light bulbs, they really do last much longer than traditional bulbs and if you shop around don't cost that much more. Ikea do a good range for £1-£2 per bulb. It's more convenient for you too as you don't have to worry about keeping spare replacement bulbs.
- Switch off lights when you leave a room, sounds simple but can make a huge difference to your electric bills.
- Don't leave TVs and videos on standby when you aren't using them switch them off properly.
- Close your curtains in the evening to keep the heat in.
- Turning down your heating thermostat by 1º could save 10% of your energy bill.
- Fitting a 75mm insulating jacket to your hot water tank could save you £10-£15 pounds per year.
- Turn off and fix dripping taps, a tap left dripping all night can waste enough water to fill a bath. Imagine how much water you'll be wasting if it's dripping all week! Also if it's your hot tap that's dripping, you'll be paying to reheat that water all the time.
- Take a shower instead of baths and save both water and energy to heat the water.
- When you take things out of your fridge or freezer, don't leave the door open longer than you need to. Also don't put hot food in the fridge, let it cool down first.
- When replacing appliances, try and buy Energy Efficiency Recommended ones, they may cost a little more but could save around £35 a year per appliance.
- Use cloth nappies instead of disposables to reduce landfill waste. If you can't face washing them yourself, use some of the money you will save from not buying disposables to get then laundered outside.
- Separate you rubbish and recycle what you can, many areas now have recycling collection days check with your local council for details. Or visit www.recyclemore.co.uk to search for your nearest recycling bank.
- If you have a garden, invest in a compost bin for all your kitchen waste, not only does it reduce landfill waste you will get wonderful compost for your garden.
- Try to leave your car at home for shop trips and take the bus or walk instead, not only will you save petrol money, you'll get a free workout too!
- There are many grants available to help you make your home more efficient. To find out if you may be eligible for any look here www.saveenergy.co.uk/gid/