Big Energy Saving Week is a major public information campaign, showing how people can take steps to cut their energy bills this winter. Another great aspect of Energy Saving Week is the chance to cut down on the amount of energy we use, helping us all to be kinder to the environment. Here are some of our top tips to help you save energy at home...
Turn off the lights
A great habit to get into is turning off the lights when leaving a room. To start with, try leaving notes on the light switch as a reminder, you will quickly find yourself getting into the habit. You can save a good chunk of your monthly electricity costs by doing something as simple as this regularly, plus it's much better for the environment!
Upgrade to double glazing
Double glazing your doors and windows is a great solution for significantly reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases that are produced from constantly heating and cooling your home.
Switch to efficient appliances
Washing machines, tumble dryers, fridges and freezers are found in almost every home, and they are some of the most energy-intensive appliances. Replacing these appliances with more efficient models can not only cut your energy bills in half, it can reduce your carbon emissions by 20-25% too!
Reduce water usage
It's easy to forget how lucky we are to have clean water on demand! Reducing our water usage can have a huge impact on the environment. Try taking shorter showers, don't leave the taps running and use the exact amount of water needed when cooking.
Replace your light bulbs
Replacing any incandescent light bulbs with more eco-friendly alternatives can help you save quite a bit of energy. In fact, over 75% of the energy these type of bulbs give off is heat energy, not light! Compact flourescent lights (CFLs) and LEDs are considered to be much better for the environment. They generally run cooler so emit less heat, are more energy-efficient and last longer.
Use natural ways to heat & cool
During the summer months, try opening up your windows and doors in the morning to get some fresh, cool air circulating before it gets too hot. Keep your blinds closed once the sun comes up to prevent your home from heating up too much. When it’s Winter, keep the doors and windows closed (to prevent the heat from escaping), but try opening the blinds during the day to let in some natural light.
Conscious cooking
Keeping the lids on your pots is a great way to save on energy, and even cut down on cooking time! Making sure you make the most of your oven being turned on is also a good habit to get into - could you cook tomorrow's lunch at the same time as today's dinner?