Give your environmental credentials a boost with these innovative energy-saving tips that will help reduce your energy bills.
If you’ve tried all of the traditional energy-saving methods and feel as though you’re still not seeing a dent in your electricity bill, it may be time to think outside the box.
To help you get off the ground, we’ve rounded up five fresh and innovative energy saving tips that will make your home more efficient – and the good news is, some won’t even cost you a cent!
1. Track your energy consumption
it’s much easier to avoid shockingly large bills when you track your daily energy usage online. Most of the big energy providers now use smart meters allowing customers to access energy monitoring services online for free. These tools can break down you usage so you can see how and when you’re using the most energy – and try to avoid it. They can also allow you to compare usage month to month, and some even offer advice on how to reduce your consumption.
It also pays to avoid peak times (the middle of the day and weekends), so if you can, pop your washing machine on overnight instead!
2. Swap to energy-efficient appliances
Appliance in need of an update? Consider opting for energy-efficient alternatives. Not only will doing so save you money on your power bill, but yo will be helping the environment while you’re at it.
White goods technology has come leaps and bounds in recent years, offering more than just Energy Rating stars – dishwashers with eco-cycles and dryers that operate off heat pumps just to name a few.
3. Steer clear of standby mode
Did you know that you TV still uses energy when it’s on standby mode? Try to get into the habit of switching it off at the wall when you go to bed each night instead. It’s a five-second step that will help you reduce energy wastage so it’s well worth it. If you find yourself constantly forgetting and having to get out of bed every night, it might be time to switch to a smart TV so that you can control it from the comfort of your warm, cosy bed.
4. Rethink your lighting plan
If you’re about to embark on a home renovation project, carefully consider how much natural light each room gets, how much time you spend in there and what you’ll need lighting for. This will help you get the maximum energy efficiency out of your lighting options. If you can’t afford to rewire your home, try adding in some floor or table lamps to replace the need for costly overhead lighting all of the time. Changing to energy efficient bulbs will also have a positive impact on your energy usage.