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Easy energy saving tips

While developing a plan to increase house insulation and changing home heating can take time there are some simple things that can be done immediately to save resources. Here are some suggestions there maybe a few here that you hadn’t thought about. 

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In the home

 

  • Take a “Navy” shower – it even has its own Wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navy_shower. This reduces both water and energy consumption a win/win.

  • Consistent with maintaining health turn down house heating thermostat a degree or two is an excellent way of reducing your energy bill. Adding an extra layer of clothing preferably wool (sheep know a thing or two about keeping warm) when needed can make a big difference.

  • Doors are another source of heat both from drafts round the frame and through the door itself. While draught excluders round the door frame and letterbox and a “door sausage” (or long draught excluder) can reduce draughts an easily fitted, self-closing portiere door curtain can reduce heat loss through the door (and help reduce drafts). Portieres are widely available - for suppliers google “portiere”.

  • While loft insulation is an easy and effective way to reduce heat loss through the roof windows remain a significant source of heat loss from a room - perhaps 20%. To reduce heat loss from windows adding readily available and easily retro-fitted thermal linings to curtains is a cheap and easy solution. Thermal linings have the added advantage in the summer of reducing heat gain, keeping rooms cooler. Google “thermal curtain liners” for a range of suppliers. Don’t forget draught excluder on your windows as well.

  • Don’t leave appliances on standby, for example, turn off the TV at the socket - don't leave the set on standby as this can use more electricity over the year on standby than the electricity actually used when you're watching it.

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Out and about​

Fuel prices are high. There are a lot of resources available to help reduce fuel consumption including from the AA, RAC, Which and various blogs.

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  • In brief, keeping tyres at their recommended pressure; moderating speed; smooth and gentle driving - avoid hard acceleration, change up earlier; minimising drag eg unused roof racks, closing windows on motorways (air con is more fuel efficient at higher speeds, open windows at lower speeds); servicing your car regularly.

  • Don’t leave car engines idling, this burns fuel/money and isn’t great for air quality (or asthmatics). Resources — Idling Action

  • Travel is a major producer of greenhouse gases. The Energy savings Trust has produced a low carbon travel resource https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/low-carbon-travel/ .   

 

All energy, from whatever source, takes resources and costs you money so reducing energy consumption is always going to be beneficial personally and globally!

If you have any other energy saving tips you are happy to share please let us know.

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