Energy prices are rising and unfortunately, there’s no sign of them coming down. So finding new and simple ways to save energy at home can help lower your daily running costs and keep that smart meter down. Many of us don’t realise how much small changes can make such a difference and are in dangerous habits which will eventually reflect through our monthly bills. Habits such as leaving lights on, washing clothes at the wrong time of the day or not being sparing with hot water can all result in higher energy bills and a stressful outcome. But there are endless ways you can resolve this issue, and although the current climate isn’t ideal, keeping those figures down might be easier than you think!
Switching off standby devices
Turning appliances off at the plug can save an average of £30 a year, which may not seem a huge figure but it’s money and energy being completely wasted. Plus, if you have multiple TV’s around the home which is constantly on standby, they’re all going to add up! Many people now opt for smart or timer plugs which allow you to set timers on the main electricity supply. Leaving divides on standby is easily done and can easily be forgotten, so having these modern technologies in place can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Smart thermostats
Smart thermostats can ensure your heating is more efficient by only warming the rooms you are using not heating up unused, empty space. By installing room thermostats, programmers and thermostatic radiators, you could save around £75 a year, that’s around £6 a month. These thermostats work by learning how your home operates in terms of heat and insulation. Not only will it set the correct temperature, but you can also control your settings and heating from a mobile device. This can be helpful in a number of ways including if you’ve forgotten to turn the heating off before going out, heating the house up before you get home or setting the temperature and knowing it won’t go past that figure. Many heating devices and also air conditioning systems now come with a smart feature, meaning your home will never be too hot or too cold and also won’t be wasting energy.
Find out more about the benefits and operations of a thermostat here or learn more about the different modern features found on air conditioning systems.
Turning down your thermostat
British Gas has stated that dropping the temperature by just one degree could save £115 a year on average for a typical home. Considering that a 1-degree difference is barely noticeable, this tip is up there for the most simple.
Upgrading your appliances
Even though buying or upgrading an appliance might mean you’re still spending money, this investment could be saving you plenty of cash in the long run. Many older, outdated appliances take a lot more energy to run efficiently and might also not be delivering the best outcome. Most modern-day appliances also come with good energy efficiency as well as advanced settings which allow you to control and save the energy your using. For instance, when it comes to home air conditioning, newer units tend to have a few issues such as blockages and breakages, limiting the money spent on repairs and maintenance. They also come with advanced settings and higher energy efficiency.
Saving water
Saving and limiting your hot water use will ultimately affect your boiler and energy bill. There are a number of ways in which you can save money in regard to water use including:
- Use a shower timer
- Turn the tap off when brushing teeth, washing hair etc.
- Using dishwashers instead of hand washing
- Investing in a recycled water system
- Using efficient equipment e.g. showerheads
You could save up to £7 per person each year by cutting just one minute off every shower. So if you have 4 people in your household, that’s £28 for just 1 minute. Many people don’t realise how little the change has to be and how major the result is, so remembering these figures will help you and your family keep the bills down in such a simple way.
Draught proofing
“Draught-proofing around windows and doors can save you around £20 per year, and draught-proofing your chimney when not in use can save you roughly £15 per year. It’s very affordable. You can buy self-adhesive strips in various materials to cover up any gaps where draughts can enter. Investing in draught excluders to block the gap between the bottom of the door and the floor can also help keep heat in rooms for longer, meaning you’ll have to heat your home for less time. Ensuring your front door is draught-proofed is therefore especially important.”
Alex Goody, Marketing Assistant, Webuyanyhouse
Switching energy providers
On many occasions, switching energy providers can result in a discounted price or even a reward. By using comparison websites and online resources, you can find different energy providers, comparing their prices, their services and whether or not they might suit you and your needs better.
Saving energy with air conditioning systems
When it comes to saving energy through an air conditioning system, there are a number of tips to help soften the expense. In warmer climates or workplaces, air conditioning is a must and can add a large chunk to the final energy bill. Here are just a few ways you can save energy in terms of air conditioning and lowers the running costs of the unit.
- Limit the duration of use
- Install or purchase a smart system
- Place the unit in an efficient location
- Use a temperature control
- Buy an appropriately sized unit
- Ensure to stay on top of air conditioning maintenance
- Keep your unit clean and hygienic
Many of these tips will ensure your air conditioning system is running smoothly and as it should, resulting in minimal breakdowns and issues. It’s also important to replace old units or invest in new ones as these tend to come with higher energy efficiency and more advanced options in regard to temperature control, remote controls, stronger functions and minimal servicing.
Domestic air conditioning by Lee Jackson
If you’re a home owner looking to improve your efficiency and create a comfortable environment to live and work. Our selection of home air conditioning units come with sustainability in mind.
Lee Jackson Air Conditioning provides repair and maintenance services across the UK, ensuring commercial units are running as they should safely and effectively.
Find out more about our air conditioning maintenance service here and how we can improve your airflow at home.
