Reducing your energy consumption is increasingly important in today’s world, not only because it reduces your household bills but also because it reduces the carbon emissions generated by your home, benefiting the environment. Fortunately, there are a number of simple steps you can take to cut down on the amount of energy your home uses.
Step One
Unplug appliances - Electrical devices such as televisions, computers and games consoles don't just use up electricity when they're switched on. Whether on "standby" mode or simply plugged into the wall, they use a trickle of electricity. This amount isn't much, but over a long period it can really add up. According to DirectGov, the typical household wastes £30 a year in electricity for plugged-in appliances. It only takes a moment to switch them off at the wall, and those moments will add up to savings in the long term.
Step Two
Choose energy-efficient items - The older home appliances are, the more likely they are to be inefficient in the way they use energy. When buying new household items, energy-conscious consumers should look for the EU Energy Label, which rates the device's energy efficiency. Devices rated A and above have excellent efficiency; G is the lowest category. The Energy Efficiency Recommended label marks the top 20% of efficient devices.
Step Three
Improve your insulation - Heating is one of the major energy expenditures for British homes, especially during the chilly winter months. In poorly-insulated houses, a lot of that energy is wasted. Improving loft insulation and draught-proofing windows can save up to £175 or more a year in energy bills, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
Step Four
Use water wisely - Heating water is another major consumer of energy in the home. Controlling the amount of water heated can be very simple. For example, fixing dripping hot taps can save half a bathtub's worth of hot water in a week. Not running the washing machine for small loads and remembering to boil only the amount needed when making a cup of tea can both help to reduce water heating costs.