Energy Efficiency

Reducing your energy consumption is not just about saving the environment, saving energy saves you money too.  By taking a few simple steps toward a greener future we can all benefit today.  Domestic appliances are responsible for a large part of the energy used in our homes and should be one of the first areas considered for savings. Choosing energy efficient appliances is simple and the latest version of the EU energy label alongside numerous other initiatives makes the process easier than ever.  Most major domestic appliances are covered by the EU scheme, just look for A, A +, A++ , A+++ and even A++++ rated appliances to identify the most efficient. 

Appliance energy consumption isn't just about when they're being used, in standby mode appliances continue to draw power, by choosing a newer more energy efficient appliance you can help reduce your energy bill.  Small changes make a big difference so consider unplugging appliances when not in use and defrosting your fridge and freezer when necessary to ensure you're using the least energy possible.  You could also consider the choice of lighting used within your home, high energy-use lighting options such as halogen bulbs run at high temperatures and hence lots of energy is wasted as non-light ouptuts, these high temperatures can also pose a danger risk if situated near or around flammable materials. Choosing the most efficient lightbulbs is another easy way to save energy today.

Just as easy to follow some simple steps to reduce your water bill too.  Choosing to shower instead of bath saves water, time and money but remember to keep in check the shower length, long showers can be more wasteful than baths so use a timer or keep to quick showers to save water.  Dishwashers have been shown to use less water than hand washing, by keeping water usage to a minimum an efficient dishwasher uses less water and saves you the tiresome chore of washing up.  Choosing an environmentally friendly washing machine is equally important, the latest models will save you money over their lifetime and contain cutting-edge technology to ensure only the minimum water needed is used.  The majority of energy used is to heat the water to the required temperature so choosing to wash at lower temperatures is more environmentally friendly and the latest detergents now allow you to still achieve fantastic results without the need for hot washes.

Heating plays a large part in the average household's energy consumption, by choosing to properly insulate your house you can ensure heat doesn't escape, used in conjunction with double glazed windows you can expect to see a marked improvement in your energy bills.  For a really low cost way of saving energy simply turn your thermostat down and wear more clothes, heating is an energy intensive process and even small differences in the temperature of your home can have big effects on your energy use.

Choosing to generate electricity at home is an easier process than it's ever been, solar and wind power are now perfect for self-generation.  Often grants are available to mitigate much of the intial cost, but the potential savings make the investment worthwhile over solar pane or wind turbine's lifecycle.