Energy-Saving Tips For The Entire House
Every homeowner wants to save money, especially at the end of a tax year. If the taxman has just hit you with a big bill, you might not have the cash that you need to live comfortably. That is a problem because you have mouths to feed and clothes to put on your children’s backs. But, what are you going to do? It isn’t like you can magic a pile of money out of thin air is it? Well, maybe you can if you know how.
Like every homeowner, you will pay more for your energy than you need. That is unless you have already taken care of your energy problem. And, if that is the case, what are you doing here?! What most people don’t realize is that they are using excess energy. That sounds silly, but energy wastage is still possible even when you think you are operating at an efficient level. Here are a few of the ways you can make your home more energy-efficient and save money in the process.
Turn Off Appliances When You Are Not Using Them
Electrical appliances are a major part of living at home. In all honesty, most people can’t live without them because they make life so much easier. However, they also waste tonnes of energy. Okay, maybe they don’t waste tonnes, but they do waste a lot of energy. And the reason they do that is because you don’t turn them off after use. Every kitchen is full of appliances that are still live even though no one needs to use it for the rest of the day. Just think about your kitchen – are the microwave and the kettle still on at the socket? They are just two examples, but there are plenty more. Turn them off after use and you will save a fortune in energy and money.
Turn The Switch To The Off Positio
Another big mistake you are likely to make is not turning the switch to the off position. Even if you unplug the appliance, the circuit is still live until you turn it off. It doesn’t matter if the appliances aren’t plugged in because there is still a connection. Plus, how is the energy board supposed to know when appliances are plugged in and when they aren’t? It is impossible, which is why they judge your energy bill off your energy usage. To cut down on your usage, make sure that the socket is off and the circuit isn’t live.
Turn Down Appliances
Most appliances are at either end of the spectrum – they are on, or they are off, and there is no in between. But, there are a few exceptions to the rule. And, they are exceptions that will help you cut down on your energy usage. The most obvious one is the fridge. Fridges have lots of settings, yet lots of homeowners just stick with the same one. Don’t. Turn it down even further to a setting that uses less energy to cool your groceries. A tip: don’t constantly turn it down because that wastes energy too. Another big example is the boiler. Boilers, like fridges, have lots of settings. And, just like fridges, they can work on lower settings. The trick is to find one that keeps your house warm, but that doesn’t burn money. Finally, start washing clothes at a lower heat. Conventional wisdom says that you should wash clothes at 40ºC. But, conventional wisdom doesn’t have a laundry budget! Washing clothes at 30ºC is just as effective, and it saves money.
Any plumber will tell you that boilers are not easy appliances to deal with because they are complex. So, forget about that last boiler tip! Well, don’t forget about, but don’t just take it as gospel. Turning your boiler down is a great idea if you don’t have a thermostat. If you do have a thermostat, though, you need to turn it to its maximum setting. Thermostats work by regulating the temperature, so it will turn the boiler off when it reaches the right temp. By having it on its highest setting, it will reach that temperature a lot quicker. As such, you won’t waste money burning unnecessary energy.
Choose The Perfect Central Heating Syste
As with all appliances, you need the best one for your needs. That is especially true of your central heating system as it is the biggest user of energy. So, you should do some research instead of picking the first one that you see. At the very least, you will have a heating system that is more efficient than your last one. That is a win because every little helps when it comes to saving energy. A good place to start is http://flame-on-boiler-installation.co.uk/central-heating-in-manchesterunitedkingdom-choosing-the-best-system. Webpages like this help guide you through the process. And that makes it easier to make a final decision. You can also talk to a professional if you know one. As industry experts, they know everything there is to know about central heating systems. As long as you provide them with the info, they will provide you with invaluable advice.
Forget About Storage Heaters
You should take a look at http://www.rorylofthouse.co.uk/how-much-do-storage-heaters-cost-to-run before you carry on reading. If you don’t know already, storage heaters cost a bomb to run, and that post explains why. The problem with them is that you need to put them on a high setting to get any heat. If you don’t, the heat dissipates quickly. When they are on high, though, they burn through energy like a hot knife through butter. There are ways to lower their energy usage, but they are somewhat pointless. All in all, you are better off forgetting about them and finding an alternative. After all, an alternative is much cheaper and better for your bank balance.
Cover Up Draught
The best alternative to a storage heater is to stop cold air from entering your home. Then, you won’t have to spend money replacing the hot air that it displaces. It is amazing how many homes have draughts, yet they don’t do anything about them. These draughts are costing you a fortune, and now is the time to make a change. All you have to do is find it/them, and then cover them up by any means. A good example is installing cavity wall insulation. Thin walls let in lots of cold air, which is where the insulation comes into play. The insulation acts as a buffer between the outside and your home, making it warmer. The best way to cut down on your energy usage is not to use energy in the first place.
Change Your Home’s Interior
Staying on the subject, it is essential that you keep as much heat as possible. Covering up a draught is a good start, but it is only a start. Your next move is to change your interior to obtain said heat. Although that sounds like a myth, it is true. The best part is that it doesn’t cost much for you to make the changes. For instance, what type of window dressing do you prefer? If you want to cut down on energy, the answer is curtains. The thick fabric absorbs and reflects the heat as it tries to make its way outside. Also, install double-glazing windows over single-pane ones. The vacuum in the double-glazing stops hot air getting out and cold air coming in. Sometimes, the changes will cost a bit of money. But, think of them as an investment for the future.
Invest In Energy-Efficient Products
As the whole world is obsessed with going green, manufacturers are trying to exploit the demand. Nowadays, every manufacturer makes appliances that are energy-efficient. From your fridge to your kettle, there isn’t an eco-friendly appliance that you can’t buy. Again, these appliances tend to cost a little bit more than their counterparts. But, you are paying for the technology. Plus, it is an investment because they will save you more than you spend on the initial payment. There is no doubt that you need to invest in energy-efficient appliances if you want to cut your bills and usage. The best ones are the biggest wasters, like the fridge, boiler or washing machine. If you don’t have a clue how to find them, go online and type it in Google. Also, the energy label is a pretty good indicator.
Curb Appeal
Homeowners often forget about their home’s exterior even though it is a huge money-saver. All you need to know are a few simple rules of heat transference. Quite simply, you need to know that dark, matte colours absorb heat. And, if you use these colours on the outside of your home, that heat will transfer into your home. The great thing about this tip is that you only need a few tins of paint to make it happen. Or, you can hire a painter and decorator. Whatever option you choose, make sure the exterior is dark and matte.
If you take these tips to heart, they will save you a lot of money. And, what homeowner can refuse extra money?