Save Energy in the Home
Heating our homes, cooking and using electrical appliances is a big part of our carbon footprint. In 2018 almost a fifth of greenhouse gas emissions came from homes, according to government figures.
But we can do a lot to reduce the amount of energy we use – and save money too.
Preserving heat & energy makes a huge difference…
Insulating your loft - and if possible your walls - to prevent heat escaping is the most effective thing you can do and, although it involves an outlay, will save money over time.
Prevent draughts and air leaks by blocking gaps and insulating windows, doors, vents, keyholes, letterboxes, catflaps and chimneys. Check out Energy Saving Trust for help and ideas.
Also try to:
Set your thermostat a degree or two lower
Turn off radiators in rooms that aren’t occupied
Programme your heating so it only comes on when you need it
There’s more you can do…
Switch to a RENEWABLE energy provider
Try Good Energy, Ecotricity, Octopus — these companies build their own offshore wind and solar farms to generate power. Use a switching company like Big Clean Switch to help you change over.
Turn appliances off at the wall
On standby they go on using small amounts of electricity, and chargers use electricity when plugged in even if they’re not charging your device.
Switching things on only when you need them - including microwaves, radios, computers, laptops and the TV - adds up to a significant saving in power & money.
Clean up sustainably
Make sure your washing machine is full and running at 30 degrees. Dry clothes on a rack or washing line instead of in an energy-hungry tumble dryer.
Run your dishwasher full at the economy/eco setting and never wash dishes beforehand - you are washing them twice!
Switch to LED light bulbs…
…they last 20 times longer than regular bulbs!
Also, remember to switch off lights when you leave a room. Switching the light off even for a few seconds saves more energy than it takes to turn it on again.
Learn more
About saving energy (and cash!) at home…
The Energy Saving Trust has lots of useful information as does the government endorsed Simple Energy Advice website
Islington Council provides advice on grants for improving energy consumption and insulation at home
Investigate We Are Possible’s pages on energy saving
The Superhomes Network shares information from homeowners who have taken steps to make their homes more energy efficient
