Reducing CO2 & Saving MoneyWays of saving energy and reducing costs in the home
Replace your incandescent light bulbs for energy saving light bulbs
Energy saving light bulbs will survive around ten times the lifespan of a standard light bulb. Although an energy saving light bulb may cost slightly more, it could save you up to £50 over its lifetime. Replace every standard light bulb in your home with an energy saving light bulb and watch your electricity bill decrease.
Completely switch off any electrical appliances that are not being used
You will waste an incredible amount of energy by leaving appliances such as your laptop on standby, or forgetting to unplug your mobile phone charger. So simply switch off the power.
Do not ignore a dripping tap, turn it completely off and if necessary repair it
The odd leaky tap here and there isn't going to add much to your water rate is it? Wrong. Ignore a dripping tap for a week and you will have wasted enough water to fill an entire bathtub. Ignore it for two weeks and you will have wasted enough water to fill two bathtubs.
Only run your dishwasher when it is full of dirty dishes
When you think about it, it's only logical that fully loading your dishwasher or washing machine will use less energy than partially loading it several times. A dishwasher will use as much water and electricity per cycle whether it is full, half full or empty. If running your dishwasher half full is a bit of a habit, you could be paying twice as much for your dishwasher running costs than needs be. Running a full dishwasher is also far more energy efficient than washing dishes by hand.
Turn down your home thermostat 1 to 3 degrees
It's unlikely that you would really notice much difference between a room that is 2 to 3 °C colder. Setting your thermostat lower could well save you as much as £50 on heating costs annually. At times, a jumper and a thick pair of socks will do the work of a few degrees.
Do not fill up the kettle and try to only boil the amount of water required
One teacup cannot hold a kettle full of boiling water. Pay attention to the measuring scale on your kettle and never again will you need to boil excessive amounts of water. The smaller the amount of water in a kettle the quicker it will boil, meaning you can enjoy your hot drink quicker as a reward for saving energy.
Switch lights off when leaving a room and don't leave lights on when not used
Natural sunlight is around for the most part of the day, so your lights may not need to be constantly switched on. Also remember to switch off the lights when you vacate a room.
Keep your fridge running economically
It may seem obvious, but locating your fridge so that it is free from direct sunlight and heat sources will keep the contents cooler. Have it placed so that air can reach the back, an inch or two from the wall. Ensure that your fridge is at the correct temperature. There are a number of ways in which you can maintain the temperature. For example, avoid placing warm food inside, and don't keep the door open needlessly.
Closing your curtains can help to retain heat in your home
Retain heat generated by natural sunlight by closing the curtains just before dark, or closes them for added insulation when it is very cold.
Having a shower instead of a bath will use less hot and cold water
Showering saves vast amounts of water over time. Rather than wallowing in the bath, unwind in the shower. Showering for five minutes uses around a third of the hot water that a full bath would use.
Invest in draught excluders and place them around doors and windows
Your average draught excluder doesn't cost a great deal. Invest in several and position them at the bottom of doors prone to draught. For example, front and back doors face directly towards the outside, and cold air will find its way underneath them.
Set your heating to switch on and off according to your daily routine
If you're usually tucked up in bed by ten o clock, set your heating to turn off at eleven. If you're an early bird and wake up at seven o clock most mornings, set your heating to switch on at six. This way, your heating won't be on unnecessarily throughout the night when your duvet is enough to keep you warm. Also set your heating system to turn off when your home is empty and to turn on shortly before you arrive home.
Do you really need a 52" television screen?
The wider the television screen, the more light energy generated, and the more energy used. Rather than choosing a luxurious 52", a modest 42" screen does the job and saves you those further unnecessary pounds.
Use smaller bathroom towels to make energy savings on your washing
A hand towel does the same job as a beach towel. Why not try using a hand towel to dry off the next time you shower? Smaller towels will take up less room in the washing machine, ultimately saving water and energy.
|