At LiveWest we are committed to creating greener futures together. That's why we have created a guide to help you be more eco-friendly this winter whilst keeping your home warm, light and not too expensive.
Saving energy not only helps the environment, but it can also save you money on your energy bills!
Here are five simple tips to make your home more energy efficient:
1. Seal and insulate your home
Why: If your home has gaps or drafts, it’s like leaving a window open all the time. This makes your heating and cooling work harder, using more energy.
How: Check around windows, doors, and even places where pipes enter the house. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these gaps. Adding insulation to your attic or walls also helps keep warm air in during winter and out during summer.
2. Switch to LED lights
Why: LED lights use up to 75% less energy and last much longer than older bulbs.
How: Replace bulbs in rooms where lights are on a lot, like the kitchen or living room, with LED bulbs. You can also add dimmers or timers to make sure lights aren’t left on by mistake.
3. Adjust your heating
Why: Heating and cooling can be the biggest energy users in your home.
How: In the winter, keep the thermostat between 18°C and 21°C when you're home, and turn it down a bit when you’re out. Clean air filters regularly and use ceiling fans to circulate the air so your system doesn’t have to work as hard.
4. Choose energy efficient appliances
Why: Appliances like washing machines, fridges, and dishwashers with high energy ratings use less power, helping to cut costs.
How: Energy efficiency ratings follow a scale of A to G, with A being the most efficient and G being the least. Where possible, choose the appliance that's the right size for your home and has an A rated efficiency.
5. Get a Smart Meter
Why: A smart meter helps you see how much energy you’re using and at what times, which can make it easier to find ways to save.
How: Check with your energy provider to get a smart meter installed. With it, you’ll be able to track your energy use and make changes that reduce costs.
Important tips for safe energy savings.
It is great to save energy, but keep safety in mind too! Do not turn off any safety features in your home, like extractor fans or boiler settings. These protect you from things like mold and Legionella bacteria. Also, make sure your home stays warm enough – between 18°C and 21°C is a safe range for most rooms.
You can find out more about EPC ratings and the energy performance of your home on our Energy Performance Webpage.
Want to know more? Check out these helpful links:
Energy Saving Trust
Centre for Sustainable Energy
LiveWest Energy Advice Hub
Every small change adds up, so start today and enjoy a warmer, more energy efficient home!
