Being green is at the forefront of all our minds, and quite rightly so. Not only will you be saving energy and money, you’ll be lowering your carbon footprint, something we all need to be accountable for.
- Smart Meters. We have the technology. Check with your energy provider to see if smart meters are available for your area. Installation of smart meters not only gives you exact meter readings – no more estimated readings – but lets you see at a glance what is using most energy around the home. You’d be surprised at the energy saving potential.
Energy Saving Smart Home Technology
- Set up a Smart Home. Installing a hub that connects to your WiFi opens up all sorts of possibilities for smart home technology including remote control of your heating and lighting, and even home security. Installing smart thermostats on each radiator gives you access to another level of control that will save energy and cut costs.
- Switch off Standby. You can save around £30 a year just by remembering to turn your appliances off standby mode. Almost all electrical appliances can be turned off at the plug without upsetting their function or programming. Check the instructions for any appliances you aren’t sure about. Some satellite and digital TV recorders may need to be left plugged in so they can keep track of any programmes you want to record.
- Canny in the Kitchen. Use kitchen appliances more carefully: Use a bowl to wash up rather than a running tap and save energy and up to £25 a year in energy bills. Only fill the kettle with the amount of water that you need and save around £6 a year, and check your oven for a ‘no pre-heat required’ setting.
- Water Efficient. If you’ve got a shower that takes hot water straight from your boiler or hot water tank (rather than an electric shower), fit a water efficient showerhead. This will reduce your hot water usage while retaining the sensation of a powerful shower.
Ban the Draughts and Saving Energy
- Draught proofing. Unless your home is very new, you will lose some heat through draughts around doors and windows, gaps around the floor, or through the chimney
- Doors and windows. One of the places where you could be saving energy in the home is through the windows. Even if you have double – or even triple – glazing you could still be losing heat. Open your curtains in the day and close them at night and seal any gaps that you might have around your windows and doors.
- Radiators. You should also consider whether or not your radiators are free from obstruction and whether or not they are giving out enough heat. Radiators should always be free from obstruction where possible, as this will reduce the amount of heat they are able to radiate into the room. You should also ensure that you don’t have sofas or any furniture in front of your radiators where possible.
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