In the current climate, it is now more important than ever to find ways to reduce our impact on the environment, and save money on our energy bills. So, here are 7 easy ways you can do so.
- Make sure your home is insulated
When heating your home, it is important to remember that the heat can escape through the walls and roof of the building. By insulating these areas, you can drastically improve the efficiency of your home.
- Test your boiler and radiators for efficiency
If your boiler has a fault, it may be working inefficiently. This will mean that it will take longer and more energy to heat your home. Not only will this raise your energy bills, but it will also have a detrimental effect on the environment.
SImilarly, if there is dirty water or clogs within your radiators, they will be less efficient at heating your home. So, make sure to have your heating regularly maintained, consider power flushing your systems, and be on the lookout for warning signs that you need to upgrade to a new heating system.
- Upgrade your heating system
If you find yourself in need of a new heating system, you could opt for a brand new boiler, or consider making the switch to renewable energy. There are many options available to UK homes, including air source and ground source heat pumps, and solar panels.
Renewable energy may be a bit more expensive to install. However, there is a range of eco funding opportunities to subsidise the installation of green energy solutions.
Once installed, they can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint and your energy bills, and can even make you money back for the energy you don’t use.
- Switch to LED lighting
Traditional light bulbs turn energy into light, but they also waste a lot of energy as heat. However, LED lighting is a lot more energy efficient than traditional bulbs. Simply switch the bulbs in your home to energy saving LEDs to reduce your carbon emissions and electricity bill.
- Plug any drafts
Older houses tend to have pesky nooks and crannies that permanently seem draughty! Try and isolate the cause of the draft – be it under a doorway, around a window, or a small gap in the wall – and plug it in with a draft excluder. This will ensure that you keep the hot air in, and the cold air out.
- Opt for ‘eco mode’ on your appliances
Most modern appliances will come with an ‘eco’ setting – this goes for washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, and more. These cycles work on a cooler temperature, which requires less energy. Thus, one simple way to reduce your emissions and your energy bills is to use the ‘eco mode’ wherever possible.
- Consider your mode of travel
If you are heading out to the local shop, how about taking a stroll or cycling instead of driving there? When commuting to work, could you utilise public transport? Even if you need to use a car, you can consider swapping to an electric vehicle or hybrid motor to reduce your carbon emissions.
So, what are you waiting for? Use these 7 simple tips to help save the environment, and reduce your energy bills in the process.
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