From charging laptops to boiling the kettle, the energy you use at home can quickly add up. The good news is that there are lots of little things you can do to save energy in the home. This will help save money and help the environment at the same time.
Here are our top energy-saving tips:
Unplug any electricals you’re not using
This includes your TV and anything that’s left on standby, as it'll still use energy. The Energy Advice Helpline lists the top five power-hungry devices you should unplug when you're not using them.
It might also be worth plugging into an energy-saving power strip that controls the energy going to each device. For example, it let's you use your computer while cutting the standby power going to your printer.
Turn your heating down
It’s important to keep warm when it’s chilly, but as the temperature goes up outside, turn your heating down and only heat the rooms you’re using. Also, if your hot water is too warm, you can turn down your thermostat to save energy.
Bleed the radiators
Let the air out of your radiators to make sure they’re working properly. Just make sure you put an old towel underneath to soak up any water.
Invest in insulation
Heat can escape through a poorly insulated roof, and smaller gaps such as letterboxes and windows. Less energy is needed to heat a well-insulated home, so look into getting some loft insulation and draught excluders.
Do full loads of washing
You can save water and electricity by only washing your clothes when you have a full load. Keeping the temperature at 30 degrees will also help reduce your energy usage. The Energy Saving Trust offers more tips on how to save energy when using your washing machine.
Look after your lightbulbs
Switching to LED lightbulbs can help you reduce your energy output while being kinder to the environment. B&Q has a handy light bulb buying guide to help you.
Cleaning your bulbs will also make a difference to light output, meaning you'll get brighter rooms without the extra spend.
Finally, if you’re not using your lights, remember to turn them off.
Get shower smart and save water
Stick to shorter showers of five minutes or less, or use a water-saving timer that tells you when you’ve used 35 litres of water. If your shower has one, you can also switch to an eco-setting.
And don’t forget to fix any dripping shower heads, as this can help you avoid wasting water in the long run.
Work in natural daylight
If working from home, try to do so in a room with plenty of natural light. This will help reduce the electricity needed to power desk lamps, and it can be a great mood booster. Healthline shares some benefits of natural light.
