How To Save Energy At Home: Easy Ways To Reduce Your Annual Bills!
Combating air pollution and global warming requires significant efforts from federal and state governments, but the power of individual actions should also be considered and not underestimated. Daily habits, simple home upgrades, and informed purchasing decisions can cumulatively lead to substantial energy savings over time.
Not convinced? Here are these simple practices about how to save energy at home, and let your monthly bill be the proof.
1: Switch Things Off When Not In use
While turning off lights when leaving a room is essential, there is more to saving electrical energy at home. Ensure devices like TVs, computers, gaming consoles, and DVRs are off when not in use. Even when switched off, some appliances draw power, so consider unplugging them or using a power strip to turn off multiple devices simultaneously.
Chargers also consume energy when not charging; be mindful of them. Set computers to enter sleep or hibernate modes after 10-15 minutes of inactivity to save energy. And ditch the screen savers; modern monitors don't need them. It is more efficient to have the monitor turn off when idle.
2: Invest In Smart Lights
Energy-efficient bulbs, like LEDs, can reduce your lighting expenses by up to 80%. They consume less electricity and have a longer lifespan, leading to fewer replacements and more savings over time.
This is why more and more modern homes are moving towards using smart lights and bulbs at home instead of the traditional halogen ones.
3: Don't Use More Power Than Needed To Save Energy At Home
Avoid running your dishwasher unless it is full, and adjust your washing machine to the right water level, using cold water for most washes. Keep your fridge temperature between 28-42°F and the freezer between 0-5°F, ensuring they seal well.
The clothes dryer is the most significant energy consumer in homes, sometimes using more than a fridge, dishwasher, and washer combined. Hence, opt for air-drying clothes when feasible. If still using a dryer, clear the lint filter after each cycle, utilize the auto-dry function, and avoid mixing wet and partially dry clothes.
4: Reduce Water Consumption
Simple steps can significantly decrease your water use. Consider shorter showers, only use the necessary amounts of water when cooking, and always turn off taps immediately, even if stepping away for just a moment.
5: Maintain a Cooler Thermostat Setting
Every degree above 20 degrees can add around 10% to your energy bill, especially in winter, where your electric bill can increase up to 30%.
So, how to save energy at home in winter? Simple. Switch to energy-efficient heating. For example, switching from an electric fan heater to a split system can significantly reduce your annual energy bills.
Moreover, setting your thermostat around 17 degrees can significantly reduce energy consumption and costs. Opting for a smart, programmable thermostat enhances efficiency further.
6: Implement Smart Automation
Invest in automated devices to manage energy usage at home. These systems intelligently detect idle devices and disconnect the power, helping to lower bills even if you forget to turn them off.
7: Top Up Your Home Insulation
Properly insulating your hot water cylinder is a crucial step to save energy at home. If you currently have just a thin layer of spray foam or a 25mm jacket, upgrading to a British Standard 80mm thick jacket can result in savings of £50 annually.
Efficiently insulating your water tank, pipes, and radiators offers a straightforward method to reduce your expenses.
8: Recycling Old Appliances Contributes Significantly In Saving Electrical Energy At Home
Upon upgrading to energy-efficient gadgets and electronic appliances, ensure your old devices are eco-friendly disposed of. Pass down still-functional items like phones or laptops to younger relatives or look for online buy-back initiatives.
Look for stores offering comprehensive recycling schemes accepting various working and defunct electronics. They ensure correct recycling at no charge, irrespective of the purchase location.
9: Save Energy At Home By Inspecting Your Kitchen Usage
Though kettles are frequently used kitchen appliances, many of us sometimes heat more water than necessary. You could save £12 annually on electricity by not overfilling the kettle.
Additionally, think about adding an aerator to your kitchen tap. This simple device, equipped with minute openings, attaches to the tap's end. It controls the water flow without impacting its washing or rinsing ability. Easy to fit and affordable, an aerator might save you £30 each year on your energy bills at home.
10: Choose Renewable Energy
Last but not least, on our list of how to save energy at home, if you have the flexibility to select your energy provider, opt for one that harnesses renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, low-impact hydroelectric, or geothermal.
In certain regions, rather than selecting a specific electricity provider, you can choose renewable energy by paying a slight extra on your electricity bill. Consult with your current provider to explore the choices accessible to you.
What Are The Top Renewable Sources You Can Choose To Save Energy Bills At Home?
Here is a list of some of the most popular renewable energy sources to choose from if you plan to reduce your annual electricity bills.
Solar Panels
Among the leading alternative energy sources for homes are solar panels. With just a few panels, you can make significant strides in energy efficiency and reduce your reliance on the grid. With advancements in solar photovoltaic technology and available tax incentives, it's becoming a more attractive option.
Over the past ten years, the investment cost for solar PV has decreased by half, prompting many homeowners to consider solar installations for sustainable electricity generation.
Wind Turbine
The feasibility of wind turbines largely depends on your location. Small wind turbines present an excellent alternative for electricity generation for those residing in areas with consistent wind speeds.
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is a superior investment in energy efficiency for home heating and cooling. Ground source heat pumps offer uniform temperature regulation, boasting durability and efficiency that can be enjoyed for many years.
Wrapping Up
The steps towards a sustainable and eco-friendly household are varied, practical, and increasingly accessible if you are looking for ways to save energy at home. Every choice contributes to a bigger picture of energy conservation and environmental responsibility, from everyday practices like mindful water usage and efficient appliance management to significant investments in solar panels or geothermal systems.
The financial benefits and the positive environmental impact make these options effective. As technology becomes more advanced and affordable, it's clear that the shift towards eco-friendly and sustainable living isn't just a trend—it's the future. Every small action, when aggregated, leads to substantial change. It is our collective responsibility to make choices today that ensure a greener tomorrow!
