Home Energy Savers
Simple Tips to Save Energy at Home
Reducing energy usage at home doesn’t just cut your power bills – it’s also good for the environment. Try these 10 simple yet often overlooked tips to save energy in surprising ways:
1. Use your dishwasher wisely
Many people don’t realize it, but dishwashers use less water than hand-washing dishes – especially on the eco-cycle setting. Skip the drying cycle and let dishes air dry to save even more energy.
2. Operate small appliances smartly
Set small appliances to run on timers – like using an electric blanket to pre-warm your bed, then switching it off overnight. Slow cookers, rice cookers, and other low-energy appliances can also reduce the need for the stove, which consumes more energy.
3. Place mirrors and plants strategically
Position mirrors opposite windows to reflect natural light throughout the room, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Place potted plants around the house – some plants can naturally cool and humidify the air, which is useful in summer.
4. Use heavy curtains as insulators
Heavy curtains can act as an extra layer of insulation for your windows. Close them at night in the winter to keep the heat in and open them during sunny days to let in warmth.
5. Install window tinting
Window tinting reduces heat transfer, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. By blocking harmful UV rays, it lessens the load on heating and cooling systems, saving energy and protecting your interiors from sun damage.
6. Utilize zoning in large spaces
Use room dividers, curtains, or rugs to zone off areas within open spaces to keep heating and cooling focused on the areas you use most often. This will ensure that you don’t waste energy conditioning an entire floor or room.
7. Insulate behind appliances near walls
If you have large appliances (like fridges) near exterior walls, adding a reflective insulation panel behind them can help keep the heat in the room or prevent energy loss to the outside.
8. Wrap your water heater in a blanket
Specially designed insulating blankets for water heaters can prevent heat loss. This will keep your water hot longer and reduces the need for the heater to kick in as often.
9. Lower your fridge temperature in winter
When it’s cold outside, your fridge and freezer don’t have to work as hard to keep items cold. Lowering the temperature slightly (but staying within safe food storage guidelines) can cut back on energy use.
10. Use a microwave lid for faster heating
Covering food with a microwave-safe lid or plate helps it heat up faster and evenly, using less energy to get the job done
In the current cost of living crisis, every dollar makes a difference. So try these simple tips to save energy and make your home more cost-effective.