As nature begins to change its dress to golden and orange hues and the air gets crisp, it signals the time to prepare for the colder months ahead
Colder weather inevitably leads to higher costs, as the need to turn the heating on increases, as well as using more electricity due to earlier sunsets. The cost-of-living crisis is affecting everyone, making it more important than ever to adopting energy efficient behaviours and actions when it comes to reducing costs in our homes.
In response to the growing need for energy efficiency education, we are excited to launch our SMART (Save Money and Reduce Temperatures) campaign once again. This initiative is designed to provide information and valuable tips on becoming more energy-efficient at home, at work, and in your daily life. With the primary focus on reducing costs, we aim to empower businesses, individuals, and families to take control of their energy consumption and save a bit of money.
What is energy efficiency?
Energy efficiency is a critical aspect of responsible energy consumption. It involves using energy resources wisely, minimizing waste and unnecessary energy consumption. In the context of our SMART campaign, energy efficiency means making thoughtful choices and adopting practices and behaviours that enable us to achieve the same level of comfort and productivity while using less energy.
How does it help?
Becoming energy efficient is not only about saving money but also about reducing our carbon footprint. Carbon emissions primarily result from the consumption and burning of fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change and environmental degradation. By reducing your carbon emissions, you not only lower your costs but also play a crucial role in preserving our planet.
To get started on your journey towards energy efficiency, consider these helpful tips:
- Insulate and block draughts: Ensure your home is well-insulated and free of draughts by blocking gaps around doors, windows, and other openings. You can do this with blankets, curtains or specially designed ‘draught snakes’. Investing in proper insulation can significantly reduce the energy required to heat your home, keeping it warmer for longer periods while lowering heating costs.
- Upgrade Appliances: Consider replacing old and inefficient appliances with energy-efficient models. Examples being LED light bulbs. These appliances are designed to use less energy, reducing your electricity consumption and costs while also offering longevity.
- Adjust Thermostat Settings: Use a programmable thermostat to optimise heating settings in your home. Lowering your thermostat during the night or when you’re away can lead to substantial energy savings. And did you know that turning your boiler’s temperature down by just 1 degree can reduce your costs by 10% yearly.
- Practice Energy Conservation: Make it a habit to turn off lights, appliances, and electronics when they are not in use. Unplug chargers and other devices on standby that draw power even when not actively in use.
- Explore Renewable Energy: Consider harnessing the power of renewable energy sources like solar panels on your roof. Solar energy not only reduces your reliance on fossil fuels but can also lead to substantial long-term savings on your electricity bills. You could also consider heat pumps as an alternative to gas heating.
- Choose a Green Energy Supplier: Opt for an energy supplier that prioritises green and sustainable energy sources. Many providers offer renewable energy options for your electricity, deriving for example from wind or solar power. By making this choice, you support the transition to cleaner energy and reduce your carbon footprint.
By embracing energy efficient practices and making small changes in our daily lives, we can all contribute to a greener and more budget-friendly world. Together, we can make a significant impact creating savings all the while working towards a carbon neutral county.
There are many articles out there that share tips for reducing costs. See our Save Energy without Spending a Penny article for some great tips. If you want to find out about what you can do, visit our ‘get involved’ page, and keep an eye out for even more information on how to be SMART when it comes to energy efficiency.
