Energy-efficiency may not be top of your list when moving into a new home, however, in the long run, it could save you much-needed extra cash for those DIY jobs and any new décor that is needed.
Local energy company Electric Ireland share their #SmarterLiving energy-saving tips to get you off to a good start in your new home.
1. Make the most of natural light
As you move into a new home, have a think about how you can make the most of any natural light with either a skylight incorporated into any renovations or even replacing curtains with lighter shutters or blinds. This will help brighten your home for long periods, meaning you don’t have to turn on as many lights (if any at all) during the day. Double or triple-glazed windows will keep rooms well insulated and cosy.
2. Reduce your tumble-dryer usage
While the lovely Northern Irish weather can often impact on the ability to air dry clothing, it is worthwhile having an outdoor drying solution in your new home, so clothes can be dried outside whenever possible. If you don’t have a washing line in your garden, it’s a small investment worth making, and shouldn’t take up too much space.
3. Start washing at a lower temperature
If you aren’t already doing so, turn your washing machine down to 30c when washing your clothes. This small tweak to your washing chores will ensure energy costs are kept to a minimum, and you will be doing your bit for the environment too.
4. Cook smart
The winter months are popular for soups, stews and casseroles, often requiring a lot of cooking time, and plenty of electricity. Try getting into a habit of cooking smarter by preparing larger batches of food at the start of the week. Use slow-cooker recipes to significantly save time on all your favourite one-pot recipes, or head outside and barbecue in the summer. When it comes to cooking on the hob, be sure to use the right size of ring i.e. smaller rings for small pans to ensure you aren’t using energy that isn’t needed.
5. Get outside and enjoy the great outdoors
Even during the colder months, it can do everyone some good to get out into the fresh air for a walk. Make the most of the drier days by taking yourself – and any others in the household -out for a crisp and refreshing walk. You will be taking a much-needed break away from the TV and any busyness and saving electricity and energy at the same time.
6. Cut down your shower time
Reducing the time you spend in a shower by even one minute can reduce the heat and pressure of the shower and have a big impact on your energy saving over the course of the year. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that a family of four could save up to £80 a year if one minute less is spent in the shower each day.
7. Layer up
Rather than turning your central heating on or throwing another log on the stove, throw on a sweater or dressing gown in the evenings to reduce those energy bills. As the warmer spring and summer evenings arrive, the need to layer up will become less, and you can start to open your windows to regulate the temperature in your home.
A bonus energy-saving tip!
A bonus tip to save on your energy is to switch to an Electric Ireland account and save up to £50*. Find out more about how you can switch to Electric Ireland and begin saving today by visiting their Switch Page.
Find more #SmarterLiving tips on the Electric Ireland Blog or by visiting its Facebook and Twitter pages.
