Reading Time: 4 minutes Being Energy-Efficient: 4 Key Things to Consider
This is a collaborative post by Maria about conserving energy.
Systems in our homes are working harder than ever because many people are homebound during the lockdown. However, it is possible to pay the same amounts you were pre-pandemic despite everyone being at home permanently by raising your home’s level of energy-efficiency.
Making your home more energy-efficient will require an initial expense, which you will recoup in the long-term when your bills get lower. When considering where to start, examine which changes could yield the greatest immediate savings without costing too much to install or implement. Here are the top four:
Heating systems
One of the most significant energy consumers in your home is its heating system, and this will become more prominent now that the cold months of winter have descended upon the country. New heating appliances, such asradiators from Best Electric Radiators, are designed to conserve energy while providing better heating.
Once installed, you will discover that you can turn the heat setting down while maintaining the same levels of warmth you had when using your old radiators. An annual check-up of your heating systems, including your fireplace, during the autumn months, is also advised to ensure that its parts are fully functional.
There is no point in having an energy-efficient heating system if the house is constantly losing warmth. A thorough inspection of your heating system should include looking for places where heat is escaping.
This includes doors and windows that do not seal completely. Windows also cause heat loss when they are not double-glazed. It might cost a little extra when having them fitted, but you will see significant savings.
Lighting systems
There are many ways to improve your energy consumption on lighting systems without spending a lot of money. For example, convert to energy-efficient lightbulbs that shine as brightly as regular ones while being of lower wattage and consuming less electricity. For even bigger savings, convert fittings to accommodate LED lights, which are even more energy-efficient.
Is it necessary to have lights that remain on throughout the night? If so, use the lowest wattage bulbs possible. You could consider motion-activated lights that come on only when someone enters the area. Another inexpensive idea is having dimmer switches installed for lights that are frequently used so that you can set how brightly they shine and reduce energy consumption.
Additionally, contemplate a skylight installation. It will help you avoid switching lights on during the day in rooms that do not get much light through the windows. Make a habit of switching lights off when they are not necessary and ensure that all householders do the same.
Water consumption
Once you start monitoring how much water you use, start finding ways to cut consumption. For example, showering instead of bathing makes a significant difference. The programs you use on appliances like dishwashers and washing machines use different amounts of water. Find those that get things clean with minimal water consumption.
Your water heater is a massive energy-consuming device, and controlling it will save you plenty of money. A water heater does not need to be running continuously. If you set times when a lot of hot water will be consumed, you need only turn on your water heater about an hour before that.
For example, have your water heater on for an hour or two in the morning and again at night. Everyone will have to bath, shower, wash dishes, and perform other tasks that require hot water during these times. Alternatively, get a water heater regulator that controls the hot water temperature, raising it at pre-programmed times. Another option is using a solar-powered water heater that only switches to electricity once its other power source is exhausted.
Appliances
Appliances like washing machines, tumble dryers, fridges, and dishwashers that are older are inclined to use more electricity. Newer ones have been designed with energy-efficiency in mind. When buying new appliances, look at their energy star rating to ensure they give you maximum output while consuming minimal electricity. This rule applies to any device that heats or cools, including kettles, toasters, and space heaters.
Unplug chargers that are not in use and do not leave any electrical items on standby, such as computers, printers, or televisions. Even while in this state, they consume energy.
Next Read: Top Tips For Saving Money On Monthly Bills
Rachel is an Austin blogger, educator, mom, wife, young breast cancer survivor writing about health, saving money, and living a happy life in Austin, Texas.
Rachel has written for HuffPost and Hometalk and has been featured on KXAN, Studio 512, Fox 7 Austin, and CBS Austin.