The New Year can be an expensive time, especially if you’ve overspent during the festive period. It’s also the time of year when many of us put in place resolutions to change our lives. If you want to start lowering your energy usage in the New Year, either to save money or reduce your impact on the environment, the expert team at Pump Sales Direct have a few simple tips to help you.
1. Switch Off
One of the easiest ways to save energy is to switch off appliances when they’re not being used. This includes lights, televisions, chargers and anything that is left in standby mode.
2. Efficient Cooking
How you cook, especially over Christmas and New Year when you’re preparing large meals, can also reduce your energy costs. Don’t keep opening your oven door, as this will lower the temperature, and cook in batches to make the most out of the space. When you’re using the hob, have the right size of pan and put a lid on it.
3. Lower Your Heating
You only need to turn your heating thermostat down by one degree to save up to 10% on your energy costs. However, you won’t really notice a difference in the warmth of the room.
4. Have the Water Tank at the Right Temperature
The thermostat in your water tank should be at 60oC. If possible, use a timer so that the hot water only goes on when it’s required.
5. Keep Warm Air In
Opening windows and doors in cold temperatures will let hot air out and increase your energy costs, so you should keep them shut unless it’s really necessary to open them. Checking your home for any gaps which can cause draughts and closing the curtains as soon as it gets dark will also keep your house warmer.
6. Use Appliances Wisely
When you’re loading the dishwasher or washing machine, try to fill them up as much as possible. It’s far more efficient to run a full load than having to do two smaller loads.
7. Don’t Waste Water
If your hot water tap is dripping, this will waste both water and the energy required to heat it up. Replacing washers as soon as the drip starts is a simple and cheap way to save energy.
8. Don’t Let Your Pipes Burst
If homeowners are away over Christmas and New Year, they often turn their heating off to save money and energy. However, this can lead to burst pipes, so you should have your heating on a timer or left on a low level and open the loft door to enable warm air to circulate.
9. Illuminating Your House
It’s nice to see houses lit up over the festive period, but this can add a considerable amount to your energy bill. Using solar-powered external lights will use free energy from the sun, so you’re not left with a large bill.
10. Fit New Bulbs
Energy-saving light bulbs can make a big difference to your energy costs, and LED lights, including Christmas decorations, are more efficient. It doesn’t have to be costly or difficult to start saving money on your energy usage.
By implementing some of these ideas, you can reduce your energy bills and have less of a negative impact on the environment in 2016.
