For many of us, the warm months mean a brief dip for our gas bills. But there are ways to extend your energy savings into winter, that don’t rely on good weather.
Want to reduce your energy consumption across the board? Start with these 11 easy energy saving hacks:
1. Insulate your windows
Windows are one of the main ways warmth leaves your home, particularly if they are single glazed. Curtains are a simple way to protect against this, but make sure you only close them at night as sunlight warms up your rooms during the day.
If you want to go one step further than curtains, you can add a layer of adhesive clear plastic to the inside of your window panes. This will still allow light in, but will provide an added layer of insulation. The budget option is cling film, but you can find purpose-made window insulation at many DIY stores.
2. Add a water bottle to your toilet tank
Toilet flushing is the single highest use of water within the average home and it’s estimated that a family of four uses up to 26,000 gallons of water each year, just flushing from the chain! Not only is this bad news for those on a water meter, it’s not very environmentally friendly either.
One nifty way to reduce your water consumption every time you flush is by putting a two-litre plastic bottle filled with water and weighed down with stones in your toilet tank. That way, each time the tank refills and is flushed, those two litres have been conserved. Genius!
3. Keep temperatures down
Lowering the temperature of your heating and hot water by a couple of degrees is an easy way to save precious pennies while barely noticing the difference. Equally, washing clothes at 30 degrees, where possible, is always a good idea. When using detergent, your laundry will be just as clean.
4. Tightly pack your freezer
Making sure your freezer is nice and full and not half empty is a good way to save electricity. When your freezer door is opened, cold air leaves and the freezer has to work harder to bring the temperature back down again. However, if your freezer drawers are packed with frozen goods, less air escapes when the door is opened and the temperature doesn’t rise as much.
5. Air-dry your clothes
Air-drying clothes is a really effective way to reduce your energy usage. It’s also much better for the environment and less damaging for your wardrobe! Outdoors in blustery, sunny conditions is best, but if that’s not possible, then air-drying clothes in a warm, well-ventilated room is also fine.
6. Turning off power strips at the wall
Electronic devices and equipment left on standby use a significant amount of electricity, so it’s always advisable to switch them off at the wall when not in use. To make this easier, keep multiple devices plugged into one extension lead or power strip. That way, when you’re leaving the room you only have to remember to turn off just one switch.
7. Track and programme your usage
Smart thermostats allow you to track, set and amend your energy usage so that you can make it more efficient. The Nest thermostat enables you to monitor and change your heating from your phone, making it easier (and more likely) for you to regulate your usage to only when you need it.
8. Bathe economically
Showers and baths are one of the biggest drains on energy as they use tonnes of water and heat. It’s best to have deep baths only occasionally and try to keep showers to six to eight minutes max. Installing a low flow shower is also a good idea. Choosing an aerated variety allows you to still keep the water pressure high while limiting water wastage.
9. Fill your dishwasher up
This one saves you energy – and hassle! Cleaning dishes in the dishwasher is thought to be more efficient than handwashing (although this does depend on your technique). Just make sure you fill the dishwasher up to capacity before running it.
10. Microwave leftovers
Minutes in the microwave are much more energy efficient than heating up your whole oven for hours on end. If you’ve got something that is microwavable, always opt for this over the hob or oven to effortlessly save money and time.
11. Get cosy
Once the cold weather starts to set in, don’t be tempted to just whack on the heating and leave it at that. Get cosy so you can keep your central heating usage to a minimum. Put out rugs and throws, use draft excluders and encourage the whole family to wear a pair of comfy slippers and a jumper. You’ll be amazed at how much warmer you feel after those changes alone.
Would you like to talk to someone about getting an energy efficient boiler? Arrange a survey today by contacting our friendly customer care team on 0800 980 6018 or by booking below.
