Saving energy at home is a great way to minimise the carbon footprint of your household, and cut the cost of your utility bills at the same time. With the cost of living on the rise in 2022, more and more UK residents are looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption, keep heat in, and find affordable, sustainable alternatives. Join us as we share our best tips for how to save energy at home in more detail below.
1. Turn things off
This may sound like fairly obvious advice, but it’s a valid way to lower your electric bill. As well as switching lights off in rooms you’re not using, the Energy Saving Trust states that you could save up to £55 a year by turning your various household appliances off standby mode. That means flicking off the mains for your TV, microwave and even cooker could make all the difference.
2. Wash at 30°C
Many washing machines have a standard cycle which runs at 40 or even 50 degrees, but what some don’t know is that washing your clothes at 30°C is actually very effective. Detergent and stain removers will work at this temperature, and this simple swap is better for both the planet and your bank balance.
3. Get a smart thermostat…
Having a smart thermostat installed can help give you maximum control of your central heating, so you’re never paying to warm up an empty house. With a smart thermostat, you can make custom daily heating schedules for your home, in line with your household’s routine, and even turn the heating on or off remotely from your mobile.
4. …And a smart meter too
Much like a smart thermostat, a smart meter uses a Wi-Fi connection to give you better control and visibility of your energy usage as a whole, allowing you to monitor your bills closely throughout the month. This is a great way to save on your electric bill, as you’ll be able to see exactly which appliances are using the most power, and check in on your bills at any time using your smartphone.
5. Replace your windows
Windows and doors are two of the biggest culprits when it comes to poor domestic heat retention, especially if you’ve still got single glazing in your property. Double glazing is a worthwhile investment that can transform the energy efficiency of your home. But if that’s beyond your budget, picking up some draught excluders is a more affordable alternative, which can still make a noticeable difference.
6. Invest in insulation
Adequate insulation is one of the most effective methods of preventing heat from escaping your home. As well as making sure your loft is properly insulated, you can also check for cavity wall insulation – but you’ll need a qualified installer to do a borescope inspection.
If you have a hot water tank, it’s also worth checking that the jacket on the tank meets the recommended industry standard thickness (80mm), and adding foam insulation to your pipes too.
7. Avoid water waste
Saving water is another good way to make your household more environmentally friendly, and cut the cost of your utility bills – particularly if you’re on a water meter, instead of a water rate. Here are a few things you can do to reduce water waste:
– Choose a shower over a bath
– Run your dishwasher when it’s full
– Use a water butt for your garden, instead of a sprinkler system
– Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth
– Install a water-saving device in your toilet cistern
– Fix any dripping taps or outlets
At Space Station, we’re committed to reducing our carbon footprint and protecting the environment, which is why we’re exploring alternative sources of energy. Six of our stores are now fitted with solar panels, and we are well underway on our plan to be Carbon Neutral by 2030.
Find out more about our commitment to going green.