Energy prices have been increasing in recent years and there is no reason to believe they will not increase again in the future.
This article will outline some useful energy saving tips to help save you money and help the environment by lowering your carbon footprint.
Flick your switches off
Photo by R/DV/RS
- When walking out the room, flick the switch off on the light socket. There is no need for the light to be on when you are not in the room.
- Instead of leaving your television on standby, turn it off at the plug socket. Televisions and other electrical devices use a lot of power even when not being fully used.
Energy saving light bulbs
Photo by Levente Fulop
- Use energy saving light bulbs. According to the Energy Saving Trust, each energy efficient like bulb you replace can save you 3 pound a year
Your kettle
Photo by H is for Home
- Fill the kettle with only the amount of water that is needed. Kettles consume lots of energy, especially if you drink lots of coffees and brews during the day.
- Boil water from your kettle and place into a pan instead of boiling from the cooker. The kettle uses less energy than your cooker.
Your cooker
Photo taken by Andy
- Only leave the cooker on as long as you need to.
- Use a pan that best fits the size of the cooker ring. The food will be cooked after meaning you can turn the cooker off quicker.
- Once food is cooked via the oven, leave open the oven door. The trapped heat will help warm up your kitchen
- Instead of cooking vegetables using all 4 cooker rings, buy a steamer. A steamer can cook multiple types of vegetables using just one oven ring.
- Put a lid on the pan whilst cooking. Your food will cook quicker as a result.
Microwaves
Photo by Tahir Hasmi
- Like with the oven, only cook your food as long as you need to.
- Unless you need to know the time via the microwave, switch off the microwave via the plug socket. Microwaves continue to use energy when not in use
Draft excluders
Photo by Jetekus
- Place draft excluders along the doors in your house. warm air can escape underneath and through the sides of your door. retaining the heat will mean that your room stays warmer for longer
- Place draft excluder through the gaps of your windows. Even when windows are not open cold air can seep through.
Washing machines
Photo by Michael Coghlan
- Buy a washing machine with an energy rating of A+++. This is the highest energy rating available. The more energy efficient, the less energy consumed to wash your clothes. Always check the energy rating of any given electrical device. Here is a guide about the different energy ratings available.
- Use the energy saving mode on your washing machine. This will mean that although your clothes will take longer to be clean, less energy will be used.
- Make sure you wash a full load. The less times you need to wash the more money saved.
- Hand washing clothes instead of using a machine machine can save lots of money.
- Instead of using the tumble dyer, hang them outside to dry or have them buy the radiators if they are already turned on.
Dish washers
Photo by Brian Smith
- The traditional way of cleaning via using washing up liquid in a sink is cheaper than using a dish washer. Dish washers use up lots of energy. If you have time it will be healthier on your wallet to wash your dishes manually.
- Buy a dish washer with a A star rating
- Wash with a full load. The less you washes, the less energy consumed, saving money on your energy bill.
Fridge and freezer
Photo by Eloise L
- Close the fridge or freezer straight away after getting your food and drink items.
- Buy an energy efficient fridge and freezer.
- Purchase a fridge and freezer with an energy rating of A+++ .
Central heating
Photo by Simon James
- Use the timer on your central heating system. You will be able to programme when you want the heating to be turned on or off.
- Turn down the heating. Lowering the heating by 1 degree can save you lots of money in the long run.
- Do not cover your radiators by placing couches or sets of draws against the radiators. This will prevent much of the heat from spreading around the house.
- Consider the type of central heating system you want installed. There are many variants from radiators to underfloor floor heating to all kinds of alternatives.
- Skirting board heating is one such alternative. The radiators are built within the skirting that heats up your room. The system is up to 13% more energy efficient than standard radiators.
- Compare the tariffs of the energy providers. Doing a quick search online can potentially save you hundreds of pounds.
Insulation
Photo by Jack Amick
- Place loft insulation in your attic. Heat travels upwards, preventing heat from escaping via the roof is vital.
- Cavity wall insulation can prevent heat from escaping through the walls.
Boiler
Photo by Kaustav Bhattacharya
- The older the boiler, the less energy efficient it tends to be. Consider purchasing a boiler that is more energy effecient. The more energy efficient the boiler, the more you save on your energy bills.
Cleaning
Photo by Steven Delopo
- Purchasing a water efficient shower head can reduce the amount of energy and water. The water that comes out the shower head feels heavier than it is creating an impression of lots out water spewing out from the shower.
- Have a quick shower rather than a bath.
- When purchasing a new bath. Choose a smaller bath, this will save you money via having to heat less water.