In the UK our homes contribute significantly to the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Becoming more energy efficient will help to reduce the amount of carbon emissions we create and the amount of energy we need to power our homes.
If every home reduced their energy consumption by 20% the UK would meet the 2020 targets set by the European Union. However due to out-dated methods of construction in older properties it is not always a easy task to become more energy efficient.
There are however, a range of simple actions we can all take to significantly reduce the energy we use in the home:
• Draught proof your home
• Insulate your walls and roof space
• Install energy efficient appliances and heating system
• Turn lights off when not in a room
• Use reflective panels behind radiators
• Use energy efficient light bulbs
• Turn all electrical appliances off when not in use
• Remove chargers and PC peripherals from plug sockets
• Reduce hot water thermostat to 60 degrees
• Reduce space heating thermostat to below 21 degrees if you are fit and healthy
• Only switch heating and lighting when at home
• Only boil the water you need in the kettle
• Keep fridge and freezer doors shut as much as possible
• Dry clothes outside
Assess your usage
One of the most useful ways to assess how much energy you use in your home is to purchase an energy monitor. These will tell you how much you spend on electricity for particular items in a room on a daily basis and highlight areas where you can save money.
