Energy Efficiency - Home
Being more efficient with the energy we currenlty use in our homes is crucial when thinking about reducing our impact on the environment. So much of the energy which arrives in our homes at the moment is wasted. For example a standard lightbulb wastes 90% of the energy it consumes producing heat – only 10% of the energy goes into makling light..
Before thinking about installing a solar energy system to generate energy at home there are some simple steps you can take to minimise your energy consumption. Reducing your consumption is an important step because it reduces amount of energy you need and ensures the energy your solar system generates is not wasted.
The following is a list of energy efficiency measures which we recommend all home owners do, before installing solar energy systems:
- Turn your central heating thermostat down by 1°C this could cut your heating bills by up to 10%.
- Hot water:. For most people, setting the cylinder thermostat at 60°C/140°F is hot enough for bathing and washing. The hotest bath you can get into is around 43°C.
- Plug it: Always put the plug in your basin or sink. Leaving hot water running straight down the drain really is throwing money away.
- Curtains: close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.
- Lights: Fit energy efficient light bulbs and always turn them off when you leave a room. Open your curtains or blinds and let in as much light as possible during the day so that you do not need to use electric lights.
- Televisions, videos, stereos, computers, and cordless phones: To reduce wasted energy, avoid leaving any appliances on standby and remember not to leave them on charge unnecessarily. Some households save as much as 15% of their energy consumption by making sure appliances are not on ‘standby’.
- Fridges: Avoid leaving the door open for longer than necessary as cold air escapes. Avoid putting hot or warm food straight into the fridge - allow it to cool down first. Defrost your freezer regularly to keep it running efficiently and cheaply. If it tends to frost up regularily check the door seal. And if you have your fridge next to a cooker or boiler, leave a good gap between them. Fitting a ‘sava-plug’ will also reduce your fridge’s energy consumption.
- Washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers: Always wash a full load if you can't use a half-load or economy programme. Use the low temperature programme because modern washing powders will be just as effective at lower temperatures. Where possible dry your clothes on a washing line or drying rack instead of a tumble drier. Wringing out or spin-drying really wet clothes before putting them into a tumble dryer will mean they dry faster using less energy. When using a dishwasher use the low temperature programme, and ensure you wash a full load.
- Reduce draughts and wasted heat By using easy-to-fix brushes or seals on your exterior doors.
- Insulate Cavity walls, loft, floor, hot water tank, pipes and glazing to significantly reduce your utility bills now and in the future. 25% of the heat in your home is lost through the walls, and another 30% is lost through an uninsulated loft.
- If you are buying new products always choose appliances that carry the ‘A rated’ Energy Efficiency logo.
Visit the Energy Saving Trust website for more information: www.est.org.uk
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