Simple Ways To Reduce Energy Consumption In Your Home

Last week I posted about energy waste and how to save money on your bills. I mentioned briefly how to reduce energy waste within the home. However, I think these tips definitely deserve their own post! So here are some simple ways to reduce energy consumption in your home…

Technology Use

Leaving technology on standby or plugged in when not in use consumes small amounts of unnecessary energy that quickly adds up over time. Set technology to fully shut down automatically and/ or remember to turn it off properly at the socket. Unplug phones, tablets etc… as soon as they are fully charged then unplug the charger itself too.

Small Appliances

Unplug small appliances at the socket when not in use to ensure they are not sneakily wasting energy. At the very least, ensure they are turned off properly at the socket.

Smart Power Strips

Alternatively, a smart power strip is an affordable way to combat energy waste in your home. These clever strips cut the power supply to technology automatically when it goes into standby mode. Very smart indeed!

Lighting

The Lighting Superstore have created this useful infographic showing why LED bulbs are the way to go as part of their #LEDeasy campaign. In summary, LED lights use up to 90% less energy compared to incandescent bulbs. They also have a longer lifespan, are more environmentally friendly, are versatile in both style and placement, plus offer a wide range of lighting options in terms of brightness and colour too.

It is also worth remembering to shop around for the best green energy deals. In the UK, I personally recommend Octopus energy* (referral link). If you are over in the US, you may want to look for a cheap prepaid light company for example.

Heating

Using your existing heating thermostat/ timer correctly to make sure your heating only comes on when you need it, as high as you need it and for as long as you need it, ensures you heat your home efficiently and only use the energy you really need.

Water

Take a few moments to sort out any drippy taps in your home. Also switching your showerhead to an eco-friendly design is a fairly inexpensive way of saving water and energy consumption.

My top 5 personal energy-saving actions for my own home:

• TV, console and freeview box are all on the same strip anyway; so easy to turn it off at the socket!

• Ensure other technology is also turned off at the socket or unplugged when not in use. This includes unplugging mobiles as soon as they are fully charged!

• Unplug kettle, nutribullet and microwave (and any other small appliances) when not in use.

• Use LED lightbulbs.

• Use heating thermostat effectively.

 

 

What are your top home energy-saving tips or eco-friendly actions you will take in your own home from now on? Do you have advice on how to reduce energy consumption? Tell me in the comments!

 

*This is a collaborative post.