At the start of each New Year, thousands of people make New Year’s resolutions, which unsurprisingly are forgotten a few weeks later. As an alternative, make a home energy efficiency resolution.
Here are some tips you can start today to improve your home energy efficiency and save money on your gas and electricity bills throughout the year.
- Set up a programmable thermostat
- Use the sunshine to your benefit
- Select energy saving lights
- Replace old and inefficient appliances
- Use a full load
- Consider replacing your windows
- Adjust your settings
- Inspect fridges and freezers regularly
- Hire a specialist to conserve your heating and cooling system
This will allow you to plan and organise the thermostat for when it is required as opposed to running continuously. Use a system which automatically turns off when you are out of the house, and turns your system on in time for your arrival back to have a nice and cool or heated home, therefore saving you on heating and cooling costs. Also consider turning thermostat off when going away on holidays, should you have regular times programmed for turning on and off each day.
The sunlight can provide heating during the cooler months by opening your curtains during the day to let the sun to easily warm your home. In the hotter months, use pale window blinds to reflect heat externally, preserving your home to be cooler. Using the sunlight successfully will likewise decrease the need to use lamps and lights in the home. Also take advantage of the warmer weather to dry your clothes outside instead of using the dryer.
Approximately 10% of the home energy use is on lighting costs. Replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), their usage is around 25% less electricity.
When buying new appliances, be sure to select energy-efficient brands with the highest star rating.
Run only full loads in a dishwasher and washing machine. Select cold water settings when using the washing machine. If buying a new washing machine, consider a front loader, as they use less water. For the dishwasher, make use of the shortest cycle which cleans your dishes effectively. You could also consider trialling different detergents to see which works best for you.
Think about substituting windows with double glazed types.
Place the air-con thermostat at 24 degrees or greater in warmer months and at 21 degrees or below in colder months.
Defrost fridges and freezers to reduce ice build-up. Also check and moderate temperature settings and examine rubber seals around doors.
Organise an annual check-up from a certified technician to ensure your system is working efficiently. Furthermore, you ought to dust the air filters in your heating and cooling system at least once a month, and change them often.
What is your energy saving New Year resolutions?
