Home energy money saving hacks plus win a washing machine

We’d all like to save money on our energy bills, right?  And aside from the cost benefits, there’s also the positive environmental impact that reducing our energy consumption delivers.

You may not be aware that the UK has committed to achieving an 80 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2050, which means we all need to think about our home energy consumption, and aim for more sustainable and lower carbon lifestyles.  The Energy Saving Trust can help us do just that.

The Energy Saving Trust is an independent and impartial organisation that offers advice to householders, government and business on how to reduce energy consumption.  The trust is underpinned by world-renowned research, so you know you’re in good hands.

If you’re looking for ways to reduce your home energy use, and save money into the bargain, check out these tips and hacks from the Energy Saving Trust to get you started.  There’s also a brilliant competition to win an energy saving washing machine – read on for more details!

Heating systems

There are big home energy efficiencies to be had if you’re looking to replace or update your heating system.  Heating is the number one energy expense in the home, accounting for 56 per cent of the average bill. Energy efficient boilers can make a huge difference to your bills, and you can save around £75 a year just by using a thermostat, programmer and thermostatic radiator valves.

Even if you’re not looking to change your heating system, think about the layout of your rooms.  Try to position large pieces of furniture away from radiators, to allow them to warm up the space more effectively.  If you have one room that’s colder than the rest of the house, don’t turn up the thermostat; instead focus your efforts on getting rid of any draughts in that room, and consider adding some cosy throws to keep you warm when the temperature drops.

Lighting

Switching to LED lighting can cut your lighting bill by around 36 per cent every year, compared to other forms of lighting.  LED lighting is now available in a wide range of colours and fittings, so it’s easy to find the right product to suit your room scheme.  Up-front costs have come down as popularity has risen too.

Draughts

Draught-proofing windows and doors could save the typical household around £25 off their annual energy bill.  And of course, you lose more heat through those windows and doors than you do through the walls, so if you’re replacing any of them, go for the best energy-performers you can afford.

Building materials

Thinking of extending your home?  Building Regulations stipulate that you have to take on certain home energy efficiency measures when you extend, such as insulating cavities, floors and lofts, installing low-energy lighting where possible, and using thermostatic valves on new radiators.  If your extension will feature appliances, choose energy efficient models wherever possible.

You can also make energy efficient changes elsewhere in your home while the builders are making changes.  For example, add those thermostatic valves to all your radiators, update lighting in other rooms, or even install wall insulation in your whole home – this last option alone can save hundreds of pounds a year.

Appliances

Energy efficiency in home appliances has taken big strides in recent years, so it’s well worth reviewing your existing appliances and considering replacing them with more cost-effective, energy efficient models.

When choosing a new appliance, check the EU product energy labels, but consider also the size of the product in question, as larger appliances with higher energy efficiency ratings will likely cost more to run than smaller models with lower ratings.  Do you really need that supersized fridge?

Don’t forget to check out water efficiency on dishwashers and washing machines; opting for the most water efficient model is not only a sustainable choice, it will save you money too.

And there you have it: lots of great ideas for saving money and reducing energy use around the home.  For more tips and advice, check out the Energy Saving Trust website.  Have you been inspired to make some energy efficient changes in your home?

Win a new energy saving washing machine

Do you have an old washing machine that you’d like to replace with a highly efficient new one?  Head over to the Energy Saving Trust’s facebook page here to find out how you could win a state-of-the-art Whirlpool washing machine worth £899.  The competition closes on 7th September and T&Cs apply, check out the competition post on the Energy Saving Trust Facebook page for more details.

You can also like the Energy Saving Trust Facebook page for updates on more competitions with great prizes in the coming weeks. What are you waiting for?!

Pin this for later:

Collaborative post