With the recent increases in energy prices, it is now more than ever time to save energy and reduce your bills. Here 10 simple but effective measures you can apply.
1. Use full laundry loads: half-load settings save very little energy, so a full load is much more energy efficient. Do fewer (but fuller) – wash loads instead.
2. Use the eco setting: on your dishwasher or boiler, the eco setting heats water more slowly, using less energy. You get the same results; it just takes a little longer.
3. Don’t use standby mode: unless switched off at the wall, appliances like your TV continue to use energy, costing the average UK home £50 per year. By using smart plugs (e.g. Hive, Samsung, TP Link, Ring, Amazon etc.) you can switch off at the wall with the app – no need to reach behind the telly! And control devices when you are away.
4. Careful with the kettle: when making tea or coffee, most of us fill the kettle right up. This means as a country we’re wasting around £68 million worth of energy a year. By filling your kettle just to the level, you need, it could save you up to a third of the energy you have been using.
5. Switch to LED bulbs: traditional bulbs are extremely inefficient. Modern LEDs are the opposite, and also last longer so are less wasteful too. Smart LED bulbs like Hive Lights can help you save even more energy as you can switch them on and off remotely.
6. Use your microwave more: you’ll save energy because it’s quicker than using the oven or stove. It’s worth considering a slow cooker too, as they’re one of the most energy-efficient kitchen appliances.
7. Unplug all your chargers: people are unnecessarily over-charging their mobile phones, MP3 players and laptops. Instead, as soon as your device is fully charged, try and get into the habit of unplugging it. Not only will this save energy, it also prolongs battery life and could also save you about £120 a year on your electricity bills.
8. Close curtains at night: in the day it’s important to try to use as much natural – and free – heat (in the form of sunlight) as possible. But when dusk falls, closing your curtains will help your home retain that heat. This helps keep warmth in the room – but try not to drape them over radiators.
9. Turn down the temperature: with today’s effective washing machine detergents, there’s often no need to run your washing machine any higher than 30°C – clean clothes, energy saved, job done!
10. Update your heating system: more expensive but condensing boilers are impressively more energy efficient than old style boilers e.g. +92% compared to 60-65% and will make a real difference on your monthly bills, saving you up to £250 a year on your gas bill (at current prices).
GreenChew 