When it comes to saving energy at home, a good place to start is with large appliances and devices that you use frequently. Here are some ideas for saving energy and lowering your bills.
1. Unplug Electronics on Standby
By turning off electronics that are in standby or'sleep mode,' you can save unnecessary electricity. Computer monitors, televisions, phone chargers, microwaves, and kettles are examples of these electronics. Please keep in mind that turning off your fridge/freezer at night will violate food safety guidelines!
2. Reduce the temperature on your thermostat.
Another way to save energy at home is to lower your thermostat by one or two degrees. Some people make the mistake of turning up their thermostats as soon as they get home in the hopes of getting the rooms warm faster. This method, however, will not work because thermostats are limiters, not accelerators.
3. Instead of using ovens, use slow cookers.
Slow cookers use a fraction of the energy that microwaves and ovens do, making them an excellent way to save energy in the kitchen. According to a CNET study, slow cookers use only 9% of the total energy used by a large oven; 6 hours of cooking in a slow cooker costs £0.35 compared to £3.10 in a large oven.
Slow cookers can be used to make a variety of soups, stews, pasta dishes, and curries, and there are a variety of settings to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
4. Use the Eco Dishwasher Setting
Try using the eco setting on your dishwasher to reduce your water and energy usage to save even more money on your energy bills. Eco washes may take longer to achieve the same level of cleaning because it takes longer to heat the water, but they are the most environmentally friendly option.
According to Currys, dishwasher eco modes can reduce your energy consumption by 20%-40%, which can make a significant difference in your energy bills. They also claim that washing up can use up to 9 times more water than a dishwasher, so if you can, now might be the time to invest in one!
5. Use Low Temperatures to Wash Your Clothes
According to the Cleaning Institute, approximately 90% of the energy used by washing machines is used to heat the water. By using a cold wash for your clothes, you will save energy while still ensuring that your clothes are clean. It is more environmentally friendly to wash a full load of clothes rather than a few individual items little and often, which will increase your energy bills and cost you more money.
After washing, avoid drying your clothes on radiators because this will prevent them from efficiently heating the room and will also release excess moisture into the air, causing mould and mildew.