When it comes to saving energy, we all know that small and simple changes can have a positive impact on our fuel bills and the environment. However, the financial and ecological impact that these small changes can have isn’t always immediately tangible – so we’ve put together 5 simple tips that are proven to save you money, and require such a microscopic change of behaviour that you probably won’t even notice you are doing them!
1.) Don’t overfill your kettle: Making a cup of tea just for you? Why not measure out the water you actually need in a cup first rather than just filling the kettle from a tap or jug? A 2013 Energy Saving Trust Survey found that three quarters of UK households boil more water than they actually need for hot drinks, costing households an eye-watering £68bn a year in additional energy. That equates to an annual saving of around £20 per household if you are one of the 75% of the UK population who are a little too liberal with the kettle filling!1
2.) Turn things ‘off off’: Standby buttons are just far too tempting – often, it is quicker and easier to set an appliance to ‘standby’ rather than turn it off, but appliances in standby2 mode still consume power. According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average UK household spends £30 per year powering appliances that have been left on standby , so you could be making a positive contribution to the planet, and your pocket, by taking the extra 5 seconds to ensure something is turned off completely when you have finished with it.
3.) Put on a jumper: According to Money Supermarket, you can save approximately £90 per year if you turn your thermostat down by just one degree. However, if you have pre-existing health conditions or are more sensitive to the cold weather, please bear in mind the public health advice to ensure that rooms are heated to at least 18 degrees to reduce the risk of getting too cold at home, especially in the winter months.3
4.) Avoid a ‘hot wash’: The Energy Saving Trust claim that washing at 30 degrees can save you up to 40% less electricity per year than washing at higher temperatures4. However, if you are caring for someone with reduced immunity, or washing towels or dishcloths, etc., you may want to wash at a higher temperature to ensure that the wash has been effective.
5.) ‘See the light’: You can’t find traditional incandescent bulbs in shops now, and for good reason – energy saving light bulbs last longer and use far less energy, so are the smart choice when it comes to illuminating your home. LED lights are the most energy efficient lights out there, using 90% less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs and lasting up to 25 times longer. According to statistics cited by Which, an LED light bulb costs around £1.71 per year to run, and could save you up to £180 over its lifetime from your energy bills.5
So whether you change any remaining traditional light bulbs in your house, or cut down on the amount of water you use when you are topping up the kettle, will you make one small change today that could have a positive impact on your pocket as well as the planet? Today’s a great day to start something new.
References
1. http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-2642839/How-energy-save-From-simple-tricks-long-term-gains-cut-bills.html
2. http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/home-energy-efficiency/home-appliances
3. https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2014/10/21/preventing-avoidable-deaths-this-winter/
4. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/money-saving-tips/10187880/Is-it-really-cheaper-to-wash-clothes-at-30C-rather-than-60C.html
5. http://www.which.co.uk/reviews/cutting-your-energy-bills/article/how-to-save-on-your-energy-bill/10-ways-to-save-on-energy-bills
