There are many ways to make your home more energy efficient and comfortable. Here are some energy saving tips – making little changes which focus on using less energy will mean that at the end of the month you’ll be saving on your electricity bill.
- Use your dishwasher
And you’ll be helping the environment too. This may come as surprise to most but when dishwashers are used efficiently (fully loaded) they can be cheaper that running tap water while washing up. “One cycle in a typical dishwasher costs the same in energy and water as heating between four to six washing-up bowls of water in the kitchen sink, or running the hot tap continuously for six to nine minutes”, said Joe Payne of the Energy Saving Trust to The Telegraph. Also, running it on a lower temperature will save on your cost.
- Is your immersion properly insulated?
Having your tank well insulted could help you to reduce your water heating cost by 30%. Heating water uses more energy than anything else. Also, setting your hot water thermostat to between 60°- 65° will help you to not overheat it.
- Use low energy bulbs
Replace your failed lights for new bulbs with energy efficient options, specially LED lights. Consider the size of the space and how many natural light has before choosing them. Always try to get the lowest wattage needed. A low energy bulb uses five times less electricity than a standard bulb, and they last three to 25 times longer.
- Spend a little and save a lot
There are some energy-saving gadgets and tools that could make a noticeable impact on your bills. For example, installing draft excluders at the back of your letter box or at the bottom of doors, or a chimney balloon to prevent cold draughts and heat escaping through the fireplace.
- Cooking efficiently
Did you know that the oven is one of the most expensive appliances to run in home? So, don’t opening it while your food is cooking. Otherwise the oven will have to reheat itself and that requires a lot of energy! Use glass or ceramic when cooking because they don´t need high temperatures and they’ll work for maximum efficiency.
