Categories: Lifestyle

Energy Saving Tips In The Home

With energy prices rising, it can be overwhelming to think about how you will cover the costs. While you might not be able to control the market, you can control the energy consumption in your home. Fortunately, there are plenty of small changes that you can make that will help you save on both energy and money.

Here are some of the best things you can do to get started.

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1. Check You Have Energy-Efficient Appliances

Your hot water and heating consumption will account for a large portion of your annual spending, which is why your appliances, especially the type of boiler that you own, will make a huge difference. You can check the efficiency of your boiler on the little energy rating sticker located on most modern boilers.

Alternatively, you can use the pcdb database with the boiler make and model information. The more efficient your boiler, the less money you will spend. Typically, modern boilers will have a rating of over 80%, which is efficient. If it is less than this, then you may consider how much a new boiler cost.

You should also check your home for a range of appliances and fixtures that can be switched to energy-efficient alternatives, for example, you can change out your old light bulbs to LED bulbs, and opt for an eco washing machine.

2. Check That Your Home Is Insulated

A well-insulated home will enable you to keep your energy bills and consumption at a minimum, as you will be able to better protect against the cold air coming in or escaping in winter, and reduce excessive heat in the summer. Insulation can be fitted all around your house, from the roof and loft to the walls and floors. There are several ways that you can check that your home is poorly insulated, for example:

The temperature fluctuates
Different rooms have different temperatures
There are cold spots around your home, or drafts through windows, doors or gaps
High (and growing) energy bills
Damp and mould spots

If you experience any of these problems, you should seek a specialist to get them fixed. This could be with double glazed windows, new doors, thick curtains or a new roof and wall insulation. There are also several other actions that you can take around the home, for example, keep the windows shut when you have the heating on, and keep doors to your rooms closed.

3. Get A Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat has become an extremely popular device for all homes. A smart thermostat has more features than your usual thermostat, as it not only enables you to adjust the temperature but have complete management of your central heating system from your smartphone or device. It also allows you to see your energy consumption in real-time and learn more about your habits.

This will help you use your heating more efficiently, and enable you to make the necessary changes when they are needed, for example, turning the heating on for when you get home from work, as opposed to keeping it on all day when no one is there.

There are also a range of changes that you can make to your heating appliances, such as using TRV valves on radiators, which can adjust the flow of hot water according to the room’s air temperature.

Making your home more energy-efficient can be done with a few simple swaps, and can save you a significant sum of money over the year.