If you find yourself slowly drowning in piles of energy bills, then it might be time to implement some useful energy-saving hacks. As the cold winter months continue to keep us indoors, struggling to stay warm, we are more likely to rely on heating, hot water, and other energy-eating appliances. However, it’s still possible to save energy – and money – in winter, and there are some handy tips available to help you out.
Update Your Appliances
Everyday appliances can be life-savers, but they can also eat into your bank account without you even realizing it. By making some upgrades to your appliances, you could make your household more eco-friendly and save money. For example, you can shop around for energy efficient fireplaces that can help to reduce your bills without forcing you to skimp on quality. This way, you can keep your home nice and toasty, without worrying about wasting energy. You can also opt for energy-saving washing machines, kettles, dishwashers, and fridges. Using these appliances can reduce your energy usage from an average usage of 334 kWh per year to just 150.
Buy Some Thick Curtains
This hack is simple but effective. If it seems that your home is still freezing, even with all the radiators switched on, it may be that you need better insulation for your windows. Buy some nice, thick curtains to stop the heat from escaping, and you will be able to enjoy a nice, cozy night in, without shivering under piles of blankets.
Switch Your Lightbulbs for LEDs
With LED bulbs, you don’t need to hire an electrician, as they’re simple to fit. They also don’t produce nearly as much heat as traditional lightbulbs, why is why they usually last longer (up to 50 times longer, in fact). Because of their longer lifespans, LED bulbs prevent the extreme waste of used lightbulbs, which are often not recycled properly and end up being sent to landfills. LED Bulbs are also made without any harmful chemicals like mercury, which is why they are better for the environment.
Wash Clothes in Cold Water
Washing your laundry in warm water doesn’t make it any cleaner, so why are people still consistently wasting energy this way? It’s no surprise that washing machines are one of the biggest sources of wasted energy, but did you know that the majority of energy actually comes from warming the water? That means that if everyone used cold water for their washing cycles, they could significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
Unplug Your Chargers
If you’re not using your chargers, then make sure they are unplugged. Often, we leave chargers plugged in after our phones or tablets have been fully charged, but this wasted energy could end up contributing up to 10% of your energy bill. When chargers are left plugged in, the energy they transmit becomes known as ‘vampire power,’ as the device is still working, but the energy isn’t powering anything. Once you’re finished charging, unplug! It could end up costing you otherwise.
Carol
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