With the weather only getting more unpredictable, sticking to timeless wisdom when it comes to energy efficiency will definitely save you hundreds if not thousands in the long run.
We’re talking about classic tricks and wise investments that do not depend on technology.
Lower your thermostat
Just imagine the amount of unused heat when the rest of your household is at school or work – and the money you could have saved if you lowered the thermostat. According to Energy Saving Trust, turning down the temperature can save you roughly 5% to 15% a year from your energy bill.
Turn off unnecessary water
Though you only probably leave it on for a few seconds when you brush your teeth or shave, your water consumption (or wastage) do add up. Make it a habit to turn off the faucet when not in use. If you want to conserve more water, you can scale your bubble bath down to once a week as it typically uses 75 gallons of water compared to a shower’s 17.2.
Running out of clothes? If you’re going to do the laundry, doing half-loads might not be a practical option. Washing a full load might be more tiring but the less water consumption and the extra money will be well worth it.
Unplug unused chargers
Plugging and unplugging can be a little tedious if you charge your electronics/gadgets a lot, but here’s a good reason why you should: Chargers that are left unplugged are total energy vampires. Even though your phone stops charging when it’s full, your chargers will keep consuming energy. According to Energy Saving Trust, an average charger consumes 0.26 watts of energy. If you’ve got a few laying around, that could account for up to 10% of your energy bill. That’s a few £££ disappearing into thin air.
Hang thick curtains and insulate doors and windows
If you turn up the heat but the room doesn’t get any warmer, your windows and doors might be the culprit. Hanging thick curtains will prevent the heat from escaping through your windows. If your windows or doors have holes or cavities, placing cheap stick-on insulation would keep the heat from making an exit there.
Triple-glaze your windows
If you’re willing to invest a little more, why not triple-glaze your window? Homes usually use double-glazing now and it’s incredible in trapping the heat inside, but adding another layer would bring it a level higher. It may cost way more than stick-on insulation, but it will keep you warmer without the trouble of spotting cavities. You’ll feel warmer and save more in the long run.
Insulate your loft
Even if you already did cover all cavities where heat can escape, it can still pass through uninsulated walls and roof. According to the Department of Energy and Climate Change, an estimated total of £500 million a year is lost because of poorly insulated roofs and walls. That’s about £160 a year for an average home.
Having an energy efficient home does more than saving energy. If you make a conscious and deliberate choice to conserve your resources in little ways you can, your wallet will thank you, too.