Simple Energy Savings in the Home


There are a number of simple ways you can improve your energy efficiency, simply by changing how you use your home. Although these measures will not have an effect on the EPC they will save you money and lessen the impact you have on the environment. 

  • Check the heating system thermostat isn’t set to high (21oc living room, 18oc bedrooms), and use the timer/programmer so you only heat your home when necessary.
  • Make sure the hot water isn’t too hot. Cylinder thermostats shouldn’t need to be set higher than 60 oc.
  • Turn off lights when not needed.
  • Don’t leave appliances on standby.
  • Don’t leave chargers (i.e. mobile phone) turned on when not in use.
  • Use energy-saving settings on refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryers.
  • Use compact fluorescent lighting where possible. Saving up to 3/4 of electricity used by incandescent.
  • Insulate hot water pipes and ducts where ever they run through unheated areas
  • Take showers instead of baths.
  • Make sure curtains or furniture is not in front of radiators.
  • Close the curtains and shades at night and open them during the day.
  • Check how energy efficient a product is before you purchase it-there may be more efficient products on the market.
  • Avoid leaving the fridge door open and defrost your freezer regularly to keep it running cheaply and efficiently.
  • Only wash full loads or use a half-load or economy programme. Always use a low temperature programme as modern washing powders will be just as effective.
  • When cooking match the size of the ring to the size of the saucepan and use a lid to heat contents more quickly and use less energy.
  • During summer dry your clothes outside if possible.
  • When drying clothes indoors use a clothes rail, don’t put them over a radiator, this stops heat reaching the rest of the room.
  • Only boil as much water in the kettle as you need.

 

Although these changes will not have an effect on the EPC (as they are lifestyle changes) they will save you money and lessen the impact on the environment.