Energy saving is a hot topic these days, with rising concerns about the environment and the cost of energy. As winter draws in, it’s important to keep up with our energy-saving habits to make the most out of our heating bills. While the usual tips such as turning down heating and draught-proofing may seem like second nature to many of us, there are other, more unusual, tips out there which could help you get even more out of your energy-saving efforts this winter and reduce your carbon footprint:
Turn off appliances and electronics when they're not in use. This can save a significant amount of energy, as many devices continue to use power even when they're turned off.
Use energy-efficient appliances. Look for appliances with A energy rating wherever possible.
Use natural light instead of artificial light when possible. Open blinds and curtains during the day to let in natural light, and use dimmer switches and timers to control artificial lighting.
Use the sun for heating too!! You may not think of leaving the curtains open and letting sunlight into your home as an energy-saving tip, but it’s a great way to capture free warmth from the sun and reduce the amount of heating you need to use
Find the warm spots - Identify the warmest rooms in the house, such as the kitchen and living room, and try to spend more time in these areas as they’ll be the areas where you’ll need the least amount of heating.
Unplug chargers and other devices when they're not in use. Many chargers continue to use power even when they're not charging anything, so unplugging them can help save energy.
Make the most out of your heating – Make sure you’re using your heating efficiently and only turning it on when you really need it. If you’re going out for the day, consider turning it off completely.
Insulate your home. Proper insulation can help keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer, which can save a significant amount of energy.
Insulate your hot water tanks - Hot water tanks are responsible for around 25% of the energy used in an average home. Make sure you’re insulating your tanks to make the most out of the heat they’re producing. You don't have to use expensive insulation. Even if you wrap an old duvet or some old coats around it would help.
Invest in thermal clothing - Investing in some thermal clothing may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can really help keep the heat in on cold days and reduce the need to turn up the heating.
Make sure your windows are sealed - Check that your windows are properly sealed and draught-proofed.
Check your boiler – Make sure your boiler is regularly serviced and that any issues are caught before they become a bigger problem
Use a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats allow you to set the temperature in your home to automatically adjust at different times of the day, which can help save energy.
Use timer switches - Timer switches can help make sure your heating only comes on when you need it
Use blankets - Blankets may seem like a basic solution, but they’re a great way to keep you warm on chilly evenings without having to resort to turning up the heating.
By following these tips, you can make sure you’re making the most out of your energy-saving efforts this winter, reduce your carbon footprint, and save money on your energy bills.