Feature Image Credit: SMART Energy GB
In today’s article, I wanted to focus a little more in-depth on how we can all save some money on our energy consumption, whilst staying as environmentally friendly as possible, of course. While homes may not pollute as much as big corporations, we homeowners (or even renters) can take a few little steps to save some pennies, and I’m bringing you my best tips and resources to to just that!
Sustainable personal finance
One of my favourite topics to discuss and research lately is financial sustainability, or in other words, savings. I can’t stress the importance of building a secure financial situation to sustain ourselves and our families – this is not just about how not to spend money, but how we spend it too. Especially in today’s economic climate, it’s so important to know how to save your money, (rather than wasting it) if you’re trying to reach some long-term goals such as buying a property or planning for your retirement. Plus, not having to worry about economic uncertainty certainly reduces stress levels.
Sustainable personal finance is about having enough financial resources for all aspects of our daily lives and it’s not just about budgeting – although that makes up for a huge part – but spans across saving, investing, learning, and so much more. I’ve written lots of different articles on this topic lately:
- “What About Financial Sustainability?” – where I shared some of my top tips and resources on how you can establish a stable economic situation for yourself
- “A Guide To Financial Sustainability” – where I shared lots of discounts and resources on saving money in your household
- “Ways you can make your home more sustainable” – where I shared my top tips on how to transform your household in a sustainable heaven, whilst saving some money too.
check your energy performance certificate
First of all, locate your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which is a standard document for all properties, whether owned or rented. This certificate acts as an energy “passport” for your home, indicating existing energy efficiency measures and areas for improvement. It offers valuable insights into your property type, such as insulation in walls and potential areas for enhancement. Of course, each home is different, and energy consumption and bills vary based on dwelling type, appliances, systems, and usage habits. As long as you’re doing what you can to save yourself some money, you don’t have to do everything I listed below.
check eligibility for a green deal
The Green Deal is a programme designed to help homeowners make energy-saving improvements to their properties and find suitable financing options for these upgrades. The most effective energy-saving improvements vary by home but typically include insulation (solid wall, cavity wall, or loft insulation), upgraded heating systems, draught-proofing, double glazing, and renewable energy solutions like solar panels or heat pumps. The Green Deal can provide financial assistance for those needing help to afford these home improvements.
As part of the process, homeowners receive a Green Deal advice report, which includes several important components. This report features an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) that rates the home’s energy efficiency, as well as an occupancy assessment that measures how much energy the occupants are using. It also outlines specific improvements recommended by the assessor, provides an estimate of the money that could be saved on annual energy bills, and includes a statement on whether the suggested improvements will pay for themselves through reduced energy costs.
Lower Your Boiler Flow Temperature
Reducing the boiler flow temperature can enhance your boiler’s efficiency and decrease its fuel consumption. For combi boilers, you can regulate the hot water temperature that is distributed to your radiators. If 10 million households turned down the flow temperature on their combi boilers to 60°c or below this could wipe £1billion off UK energy bills and save 1.7 million tonnes of carbon emissions – the equivalent of nearly six million people taking transatlantic flights.
Boilers operate by burning natural gas to heat water before circulating it to the radiators. Typically, the default temperature setting is around 80°C, which can lower the boiler’s efficiency. A higher temperature setting for boilers is akin to driving at higher speeds in cars: reaching the destination faster but using more fuel. Lowering the temperature setting does not directly affect the thermostat setting or noticeably decrease the home’s temperature. It enhances the boiler’s efficiency while gradually heating your rooms.
Just locate the ‘flow temperature’ dial or setting on your combi boiler and adjust it to a lower temperature. You can even participate in the Money Saving Boiler Challenge to check if your boiler is suitable and receive simple, step-by-step guidance on making the necessary adjustments.
upgrade your boiler
If you still don’t have a combi boiler, then it’s time to upgrade. All modern boilers are now rated between A efficiency ratings and use condensing technology, which is 25% more energy-efficient than non-condensing boilers by preheating cold water with waste heat.
You could also opt for replacing your old boiler with a heat pump or a solar thermal. Heat pumps extract heat from the air, ground, or water to heat your home or cool it in the summer. They offer a sustainable alternative to traditional heating systems, with a high energy efficiency rate and reduced carbon emissions compared to gas or electric heating. Solar thermal, on the other hand, are systems that use solar heat for space and water heating or electricity generation. When combined with existing heating systems, they can lower carbon emissions, reduce hot water costs, and save on energy bills by switching to a renewable energy source.
Reduce Your Water Temperature
Tap water temperature can sometimes rise to a level that is higher than needed. For systems with a distinct hot water cylinder, adjusting the temperature thermostat on the cylinder to 60°C can prevent the water from being heated excessively.
Just keep in mind that the temperature on your cylinder thermostat should not be reduced below 60°C, as legionella bacteria, which can cause Legionnaire’s disease, can survive and grow in water stored below this temperature. So make sure you don’t go below.
Reduce Your Water Consumption
Minimizing water consumption is an important step towards conserving our planet’s most precious resource. Simple everyday actions can make a significant impact, such as opting for short showers instead of baths. While a bath can use up to 70 gallons of water, a 5-10 minute shower typically consumes far less, helping to save water without sacrificing cleanliness. Taking a 10-minute shower each day can amount to using over 100,000 glasses of drinking water annually.
Another effective way to reduce water use is by turning off the tap while brushing your teeth. Additionally, installing low-flow toilets can drastically cut down on water usage in the bathroom. By adopting these habits, individuals can make a substantial difference. Implementing these small changes not only helps in conserving water but also reduces water bills, promoting a sustainable lifestyle for all.
Lower Your Room Thermostat
Adjusting your home’s thermostat can help reduce the energy consumption needed for heating. Just set your thermostat to 18-21°C, which is the UK Health Security Agency minimum recommendation. Reducing costs now can help build up a reserve of money in time for winter, when you’ll likely be spending more on heating your house.
Of course, certain groups like individuals with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, babies, young children, older adults, those with mental health conditions or disabilities and pregnant women can be more sensitive to cold temperatures, so it might need adjusting to a higher one in those cases.
My top tip for this one is smart thermostats, wifi-enabled smart thermostats that can optimise heating and cooling based on your home’s patterns and outside temperatures. The presence-sensing technology that they hold helps conserve energy by adjusting settings when you are away from home. Of course, this can also lead to energy savings and lower utility bills.
Change Lights To Energy-Efficient Bulbs
Energy-saving light bulbs are long-lasting and energy-efficient, reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption. LED bulbs are a more efficient alternative to traditional bulbs, so if you haven’t made the switch yet, this is the time to do so.
Insulation Improvements
Around 40% of the heating energy produced in your home escapes through gaps in windows, doors, and floors. To conserve energy and retain that heat, there are a few improvements we can make in our homes that will save us both money and energy.
From double or tripe-glazed windows to wood cavity wall and roof insulation, filling gaps between floorboards, implementing draught excluders around windows, doors and other openings, replacing old window seals and adding radiator foil to your insulation plan, there is a lot you can do. Most of which, is an expense you should look at as an investment. Did you know that draught-proofing around windows and doors could save you around £35 a year in Great Britain (GB) and £50 in Northern Ireland (NI)? That’s quite a lot!
If you’re renting and double or triple-glazed windows are just not an option, you can always add window film as temporary secondary glazing. The simplest and cheapest form of secondary glazing is thin transparent plastic film which you install yourself using strips of double-sided sticky tape around the frame of the window. The material looks like ‘cling film’, but if fitted properly it is wrinkle-free and almost invisible.
Insulate Your Hot Water Tank/Cylinder
Insulating your hot water tank, also known as a hot water cylinder, can enhance its efficiency and reduce operating costs. The insulation minimises heat loss, acting like a winter coat for your tank. By retaining heat, water stays hot for longer periods, leading to less energy consumption for heating. This type of insulation is commonly referred to as a “cylinder jacket”.
Install A Smart Meter
Having a smart meter enables you to monitor your energy usage accurately and empowers you to manage your energy consumption effectively.
Smart meters monitor your energy usage, providing clear insights into your energy expenses, and assisting you in reducing your overall consumption. Additionally, with a smart meter, you can access specialised tariffs that could potentially save you money, particularly for electric vehicles.
Just get in touch with your energy provider to schedule a free installation of a smart meter, or check if they do offer the service on Smart Energy GB‘s website.
Upgrade To Energy Efficient Appliances
When replacing appliances in your home, choose energy-saving models to reduce energy consumption. Look for the energy efficiency label to identify the most energy-efficient options. Alternatively, you can check out your current appliances’ energy rating on this Energy Saving Trust’s guide. A little energy-efficient tip to save you money?
Start loading your dishwasher and washing machine at nighttime instead of peak day times, as this is less expensive and reduces the level of energy used for each load. Just think that nobody else is doing it at night, which makes it more efficient…
Switch To Renewable Energy Sources
The first advice I would give to any homeowner out there is to get solar panel installations, which convert sunlight into electricity, providing a sustainable and low-maintenance energy source. This can reduce carbon emissions and improve local air quality, benefiting respiratory health.
You wouldn’t just rely on energy from the sun for your home though, because in case you didn’t know it, solar panels can be combined with electric heating systems for renewable heating and hot water. Plus, their battery storage can store excess energy for later use, providing total independence from traditional power sources.
While it might be easier for homeowners to install solar panels in their homes because of the UK solar panel grants that can help reduce costs and make these upgrades more affordable, renters can also do their best by filtering only renewable energy flats and homes during their new move selection or investing in one of these portable solar panels.
tumble dryers
Tumble dryers are convenient but can be expensive to run, with annual costs ranging from £30 to over £164. A cheap dryer might seem like a bargain but could lead to high energy bills if it’s not efficient.
To save money, consider drying clothes outside or using an indoor airer, which are both cheaper and more eco-friendly options. If you must use a tumble dryer, choose an energy-efficient model. Brands like Which? test dryers for speed, ease of use, and energy efficiency, providing estimated running costs. Consulting their list of Best Buy energy-saving dryers can help you find a cost-effective option.
FRIDGE AND FREEZERS
o save energy in your home, set your fridge to 37°F and your freezer to 0°F. These temperatures are ideal for keeping your food fresh while ensuring that your fridge and freezer don’t have to work as hard to maintain a constant temperature.
Another simple yet effective way to improve energy efficiency is by cleaning the refrigerator coils once a year. Dust and debris can accumulate on the coils, causing the fridge to run less efficiently and use more energy. To clean the coils, unplug the refrigerator for safety, gently remove any protective grilles covering the coils, and use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery, crevice, brush, or flat head attachment to remove the dust and dirt.
Additionally, consider the placement of your fridge to maximize energy savings. Keeping it away from heat sources such as direct sunlight, ovens, or stoves can reduce the amount of energy needed to maintain the desired temperature. By following these tips, you can help your refrigerator run more efficiently, save on energy costs, and prolong the life of your appliance.
UNPLUG APPLIANCES
One effective way to save on energy is by unplugging devices when they’re not in use. Many people may not realize that even when appliances are turned off, they can still draw power if left plugged in. This phenomenon, known as “phantom” or “standby” power consumption, can account for a significant portion of a household’s energy usage, leading to higher electricity bills. To combat this, make it a habit to unplug phone chargers, computers, televisions, and other electronics when they are not actively in use. This simple action can lead to noticeable savings over time.
Alternatively, using a power strip with an on/off switch can provide a convenient solution. By plugging multiple devices into a power strip, one can easily disconnect them all with a single switch, reducing standby power consumption efficiently. For even greater energy savings, consider using smart power strips, which can automatically cut off power to devices that are in standby mode.
and finally.......
Financial sustainability is an ongoing process though, as new technologies and home improvements that will help you save some money keep popping up at all times. The most important aspect is to keep on learning and staying up to date with everything that is going on in your country (and the world) when it comes to money.
I follow Elizabeth Teo from @zerowastecutie, a zero-waste blogger and environmental educator in Toronto, creating lovely graphics with tips on living more intentionally while keeping sustainability in mind. She shares lots of content around recipes, diversity and inclusivity, environmental justice, and more! Another wonderful woman sharing lots of tips and resources on sustainable living is Jhánneu Roberts from @jhanneu who shares her recommended readings, products, and brands to follow relating to money, home, and wellness.