A sustainable home energy use during the autumn and winter months is beneficial to both the environment and your utility bills, specially during the colder months. That is why today’s post is about tips on how to save energy and money during the wintertime.
1. Insulate your home
Make sure your house is properly insulated. You can reduce heat loss and, as a consequence, your energy use by sealing cracks, installing double-glazed windows and doors, and insulating the roof and walls.
2. Programmable thermostat
Use a programmable thermostat to maintain a cosy temperature when in the house and to reduce it when not in or at nighttime. Just one degree can make a huge difference.
3. Maintain a constant temperature
Avoid sharp changes in temperature by adjusting your thermostat to be at a constant temperature. Central heating uses more energy when heating up a cold room than maintaining it at a constant temperature.
4. Maximise the Sun
Draw curtains and pull blinds up in the daytime so sunlight and natural warmth can come in. Close and pull down at nighttime to maintain the heat.
5. Check your heating system
Make sure your heating system works efficiently. Schedule regular maintenance and replace filters according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
6. Layer up
Instead of increasing your home’s temperature, wear warm clothing inside to maintain your body temperature.
7. Unplug electronic devices
Electronic devices use energy when on standby mode. Switch off and unplug devices you are not using to avoid the well-known ‘phantom energy use’.
8. Use LED light bulbs
Change your incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs for LED ones, since they are more efficient and long-lasting.
9. Cook efficiently
Use lids on pots, cook with utensils that heat up evenly, and use your oven in moderation. Batch cooking and defrosting food in the fridge can help cut down on energy use.
10. Laundry and dishwasher
Wash your laundry in cold water whenever possible and load both washing machine and dishwasher fully before each use. In addition, make sure your appliances, such as oven, washing machine, and tumble dryer, work efficiently by conducting regular maintenance.
There are no excuses! You won’t only reduce your carbon footprint but will also save money on your utility bills during the colder months of the year if you follow these tips.