8 Easy Ways To Save Energy And Cut Bills In Your Home
By Annie Button
With energy prices high and a need for protecting the climate key, more of us than ever before are looking for ways to reduce energy usage around the home. Energy-efficient alternatives are more accessible than ever, but you don’t need to swap out all your appliances to create an eco-friendlier home (although that’s one option).
It is important to conserve energy in small ways throughout the home by reducing the need to generate electricity and emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Being mindful about the amount of energy you consume can help homeowners to be more eco-friendly as well as saving money on bills in the long-term.
For instance, just turning your appliances off standby mode can save £40 per year. We’ve put together a list of ways you can reduce energy around the home, to reduce your bills and contribute to a better planet for all.
Replace Flooring
Our homes lose around 10% of their heat through the floors, so changing to warmer materials can make a difference to the warmth in the home and to your energy bills. There are several options to choose from, most notably switching to carpets which will help retain heat and are more comfortable underfoot than cold vinyl or stone tiles. Underlay can also help to keep the heat in, reducing the need for the heating in the winter.
Although modern carpets use synthetic fabrics, some materials that were considered outdated are making a comeback thanks to their eco-friendly properties. One of the best examples is linoleum, a natural product made from recycled materials, such as solidified linseed oil (linoxyn), pine resin, ground cork dust, sawdust, and mineral fillers such as calcium carbonate, most commonly on a burlap or canvas backing.
Derived from the Latin words for ‘oil’ and ‘flax’, its key components. Invented in the late 19th century by Frederick Walton, lino is experiencing a renaissance thanks to its sustainable and stylish nature, and for being noiseless, low-maintenance, and easy to install. Starting from £10 per square metre, it is arguably more affordable than tiles and carpets.
Add a Cool Roof
Just as heat escapes through the floors, it can also be lost through the roof. But in addition to insulating the roof to keep heat in during the winter, it’s also possible to swap out heat-absorbing roofing for a cool roof for the summer.
These materials are designed to reflect more heat than they absorb, which makes them more energy efficient. Opting for metal roofing or energy-certified shingles is a great option, but you can also add cool membranes which are often made of felt or fibreglass.
Insulate Windows and Doors
Draught-sealing your windows and doors, and checking the insulation is up to the right standard will help to prevent your heating system from overworking, and keeps cold air from seeping into the house.
If you don’t have double glazed windows, adding secondary glazing panels that can be removed in the summer is a quick and easy addition that offers flexibility. Caulking and draught-proofing tape can also help seal any gaps around the frames.
Likewise, while improving your interiors, be conscious of all the eco-friendly options you have when it comes to insulating around the home, in your loft or around window seals to replace all your light bulbs (inside and outdoors) with energy-efficient LED bulbs. As before, however small, these steps can make a big difference in the long run.
Get Smart with Home Tech
Smart technology integration isn’t just useful for creating a more convenient home but it also helps save energy. You can automate your lights, for example, by installing timers or using motion-detector lights around the house that will only use energy when they’re needed, or add a smart thermostat that will make it easier to heat your home when it’s occupied without wasting energy when no-one’s home.
Smart home technology can also integrate with other devices and systems, such as smart blinds or shades that can be programmed to open and close based on the time of day or the amount of natural light available, further optimising energy usage for heating and cooling.
Some smart home systems can even monitor your energy consumption patterns and provide insights and recommendations for further reducing your carbon footprint and saving money on utility bills.
Be Mindful of Washing
Washing machines are a huge drain on energy and water, so finding ways to reduce both can help with the carbon footprint of your property and keeping more money in your wallet. Switching to a 30-degree wash will save considerable energy, but so will reducing the number of times you run the washing machine to once or twice a week.
Similarly, running your washing machine or dishwasher early in the morning or late at night can help. Likewise, washing clothing on a 30 degree setting can save you £22 per year. These are just a few ways to save energy and cash in your home.
Many utility companies charge more for appliances used during peak hours so waiting until outside these hours can save you money and conserve energy.
There are a great variety of eco-friendly cleaning kits and other household cleaning products to make all your cleaning choices sustainable. Here’s a small selection of cleaning supplies verified by Canopey:
Switch to Low-Flow Plumbing
You can also look to your bathroom for sustainable swaps. A low-flow tap or showerhead can help to save hundreds of litres of water every year, and it’s a simple but highly energy-efficient swap. Low-flow fixtures decrease water waste which ultimately reduces your utility bills, so it’s a great swap for homeowners and the environment alike.
Many people worry that low-flow plumbing will mean a reduction in pressure, but that’s not the case. There are two types of water-saving showerheads, aerating and laminar, which ensure you’ll still enjoy a refreshing shower – just with less water waste.
In addition, when it comes to energy-saving tips around the home, insulating your hot water cylinder can save up to £40 per year.
Invest in Durable and Eco-Friendly Options – and Upcycle!
High quality products often cost more up front but the investment in their durability and longevity makes it worthwhile, both for your budget and the environment. Investing in higher quality products that are less likely to fail means you won’t need to replace them as often, which results in fewer appliances ending up in landfill.
If you are fortunate enough to have flooring, carpets, and durable kitchen units or worktops in your home, reviving and reclaiming what is already there is the most eco-friendly way to refresh a home.
Consider reviving existing floors, upgrading cupboards with a quick fix or paint refresh, and investing in new handles or fittings. Choosing products made by ethical businesses that prioritise craftsmanship and fair labour also contributes to a more sustainable economy, which has a wider knock-on effect.
Look into Renewables
Much of the changes we’ve outlined here are small and accessible, but if you’re looking to make a bigger impact on the carbon footprint then investing in renewable energy systems is the way to go. The price of renewable technology has dropped considerably in recent years but there’s no denying that it’s still costly.
The cost of solar panels varies according to certain factors and homeowners will need to weigh up the data and figures if they decide to install them. However, a solar panel system combined with a battery can reduce the average UK household electricity bill by up to 70%. In addition to solar power, there are other renewable energy options to choose from, including air or ground source heat pumps, biomass boilers, and EV charging units that can help to make your energy systems cleaner, greener and more affordable.
Wrapping Up
Embracing a sustainable lifestyle is better for the planet, but there’s no denying that it’s also better for us financially. Energy-saving swaps are helpful in reducing waste, not just in plastic but also water and electricity, which brings bills down.
Making small swaps in your home is a great way to start living more sustainably. Check out our quick and easy guides to learn more about the things you can swap in your life, from washing up liquid in the kitchen or products in your bathroom. Every swap counts and even small changes can soon mount up, so it’s well worth trying to create a greener home with any of the tips we’ve outlined here.
About the author
Annie is a freelance writer specialising in sustainable lifestyle and business development.
Having been featured in a variety of eco publications she is passionate about using her writing skills to help others live more eco-friendly lifestyles.
Visit Annie’s website to find out more.