21 tips for reducing your energy usage at home
Whilst Governments, businesses and environmentalists around the world are making changes to reduce the impact of climate change, there are things that you could be doing at home to reduce your carbon footprint (as well as save money!).
Government figures show that electricity prices doubled between 2004-2014 and are expected to double again over the next ten years so it makes sense to reduce consumption wherever you can.
1. Use LED lights
The quality of light produced by well-manufactured LED lights is excellent! Fitting them in your house will save up to 80% on electricity use, compared with the old filament and halogen bulbs. What’s more, they are built to last for a decade with normal use.
2. Switch supplier
Is your energy supplier providing you with the best deal, and are they using renewable energy? Have a shop around and see what deals are out there for renewable energy – you might also make huge savings!
3. Warmer fridge and freezer
One degree warmer in your fridge and freezer will not have any effect on storage performance but will reduce your electricity use.
4. Keep freezers and fridges fully stocked
You use less electricity when you have a full fridge-freezer as food helps maintain the temperature. It doesn’t have to be food either, by putting a full water jug in the fridge you’ll get a similar effect and you can also benefit by filling empty spaces in the freezer with paper.
5. Clean the coils on your fridge
Coils located at the rear of your fridge can get very dusty and dirty over time, making the fridge less efficient. Plan to give them a good clean at least once a year to save electricity and extend the working life of your appliance.
6. Defrost food in your fridge
By defrosting your food in the fridge, the cooling effect means you use less power as well as being more hygienic.
7. Buy energy efficient appliances
This should always be front-of-mind when replacing your appliances and thankfully there are is a great range of energy-efficient products to choose from with a variety of prices to suit most budgets.
8. Switch off appliances
Avoid leaving appliances on standby where possible and cut costs by £30 a year
9. Cut down on extractor fan use
Simply by opening a window instead of turning on the extractor fan will significantly reduce energy usage. Probably wouldn’t advise in winter though!
10. Boil what you need
If you’re using the kettle, then only boil what you need. A full kettle uses up a significant amount more energy than a half-filled one,.
11. Use a suitable pan
When cooking on the hob you should always use the most suitable sized pan and ring. There’s no sense in using the biggest ring available to cook a single egg.
12. Batch cook
When using the oven, think about cooking in batches to prepare several meals at once.It’ll also help keep your fridge/freezer stocked up!
13. Save £50 by washing smarter
Wash at 30 degrees using the right detergent to save a third or more on energy use as 90% is consumed in heating the water. It could add up to over £50 a year in savings.
14. 1 less wash
Think about reducing your washing machine use by one cycle each week.
15. Air dry
Dry your laundry outside when it’s warm or windy, rather than using the tumble dryer.
16. Turn down the brightness
Turning down your TV’s brightness and contrast or using its ‘Eco’ mode will reduce its electricity usage. Over a year this can add up to a significant amount of electricity saved.
17. Go solar
Generate your own electricity. If you’re really serious about saving electricity in your house, then investing in solar panels or other renewable technology is a great way of doing this. It will take a few years to break even on this investment, but you’ll start saving money on your electricity bills straight away as you can use the electricity you generate rather than taking it from the grid. You can also get solar powered chargers for phones and other devices.
18. Utilise the sun for warmth and light
The sun is an excellent form of energy, just look at the renewable electricity we generate from it! Keeping your curtains open during the day can help bring warmth and light into your home, reducing your need for energy required to heat or light your house.
19. Turn off WiFi
Rather than leaving it on continuously, turn off your WiFi router when it’s not in use – as you leave for work or go to bed for example.
20. Don’t overcharge
Unplug your phone (and other devices) from chargers when the charging is complete. Otherwise you’re needlessly using electricity.
21. Install a smart thermostat
Smart thermostats make your home’s heating more efficient by only warming the rooms you choose. The leading models could cut your heating bill by a third.
