Cheap Methods to Make Your Home more Energy-Efficient

With ever increasing prices of fuel, food and come to think of it anything and everything that we buy our hard earned cash is not going as far as it used to. So, it’s an ideal time to think about becoming more energy efficient, not to mention reducing your carbon footprint which is something else we should all be thinking about, these little things count and some cost us nothing, see what you can do to help your bank balance;

• Lights. If you haven’t already, switch to LED bulbs, these are the most energy efficient on the market lasting 20 years or so, if you cant change them all at once because they are a little pricey change once a month, long term this will really pay off. Also, don’t use a higher wattage than you really need, some rooms you will want well lit but others its not so important. Areas that have a lot of traffic but not much full time use may well get lights left on, for these spaces invest in timers or sensors that way the lights will be only be on for as long a required.
• Water. Many people are on water meters now so every drop costs money, there are some simple basics that will keep your essential water usage down like turning off the tap when brushing your teeth and fill a sink with water for washing your hands instead of letting it all run away. Washing cars with a hose pipe can use a huge amount of water so go back to the old fashioned water and bucket method. Rain water harvesting is a great way of watering you garden for free, you can purchase special barrels with taps for ease of use or just simply leave out buckets, either way you can collect litres of natural water that is much better for your flowers.

• Electrical stuff. When you are not using your electrical items turn them off, the microwave, washing machine, TV’s, DVD’s, and computers, it may take a while to get into the habit but it will be worth it. Most modern appliances have timers meaning you can also make good use of your lower rate electric, if your equipment doesn’t have this added bonus, you can invest in a couple of plug-in timers.

• Heating. This really can make a huge difference especially to your winter bills, turn your thermostat down a little and if you don’t have thermostatic valves on your radiator fit them, especially in the bedrooms, these room do not need to be very warm at all. Again make use of the timer and only have it on when you need it on. You can always put on another layer of clothing too instead of turning the thermostat up.
• Read manuals. Read your appliance manuals, they often have tips on how to use your appliances in the most efficient way.
• Window. Double glazing can help a great deal when it comes to keeping the heat in and the cold out, the newer the better but don’t dismiss thermal and heavy lined curtains, they can also do a great job. More recently cellular blinds are being used for insulation too.
• Insulation. Experts in the building business claim that loft insulation is one of the cheapest and most effective way to save on your energy bills, you may already have it but if its been down for years it will be worth having a good look at it, in a drafty loft space it can actually blow around and it will be as much use as nothing. What is on the market now is much better quality and can easily be laid over what is already there.
• Grants. Believe it or not there are grants available for home owners towards energy saving improvements, do a little research and find out what is on offer.

Don’t delay, get started today and put these energy saving ideas to the test, they really could save you pounds over the year.

Shared by builderswesthampstead.co.uk.