SAVE YOUR ENERGY

SWITCH TO RENEWABLE ENERGY

The simplest and most impactful thing we can all do to reduce our carbon footprint is to review our energy use and switch to the greenest solutions. Even if you’ve already switched to electricity generated from renewable sources, it’s still worth investigating new options that are emerging for gas and even oil.

GET SOME SOLAR

Install solar panels to generate energy for your home.

Installing solar power to supply some or even all of the energy your home needs is one of the best ways to dramatically reduce your carbon pollution - on average around 1.5 tonnes of carbon a year. It can save you money over the long term, too. the production of solar panels does generate some carbon pollution and involves hazardous and toxic substances. But when you consider their full lifetime, the pollution power of solar panels is far lower than that of most alternative energy forms.

 

TURN IT DOWN BY A DEGREE OR MORE

Heating your home is one of the major ways that any household creates carbon pollution. You might not even notice it, but dialling down your heating by one degree has a significant impact on your carbon pollution. You have already paid for that fabulous (amazing, second hand) jumper so pop it on and you won’t be able to tell the difference!

Turning down your thermostat by one degree can reduce your carbon pollution by up to 340kg. And if you change it by 2 degrees or more, the numbers quickly get bigger.

Dialling down your thermostat has other benefits too. Using less energy to heat your home will save you money . Also check your heating timer. Consider if you need to have your heating and hot water on as often as it is. Set your heating to go off before going to bed, as the heat will stay in your house for a while after it has been turned off.

Check your hot water temperature. If your water is too hot, you should adjust the temperature at your hot water tank down.

Turn down valves on your radiators in rooms that are not being used. But make sure you provide enough heat to take the chill off and avoid condensation.

If you have electric storage heaters, make sure you set the input to a level suited to the outside temperature and make sure you turn down the output setting overnight when the heater is charging.

INSTALL OR ENHANCE THE LOFT INSULATION IN YOUR HOME

When your home has good quality loft insulation you can dramatically reduce your carbon pollution. Not only that, you’ll be warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer and save some money, too.

If your home has no loft insulation, you are losing up to 25% of heating energy through the roof. That’s a big waste of energy and money - insulating your home can reduce your carbon pollution by up to 1000kg.

Insulating your home has other benefits too. It is inexpensive and saves money - the reduction in your energy bill normally means you will cover the cost of insulation within a couple of years, and you’ll continue to save money as long as you have it. It can also help regulate temperatures across your home, avoiding chilly rooms and keeping the temperature cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Most countries have a recommended insulation depth of around 250-270mm, depending on the country and insulation material. Research online to find out yours and then compare with what is currently installed in your loft.

Many people decide to install their own loft insulation. If you do, ensure that you use an approved material that has been properly tested and is safe to use in your loft. If your loft is damp or hard to access, your roof is flat, or you simply don’t feel confident with DIY, you may want to seek professional help. If this is the case, look for a national association to help you find a registered installer in your area.

More ideas

These may only make a small difference but it all adds up (or knocks it off your bill!)

  • Tumble-dryers use a lot of energy. Dry clothes outside or on a clothes rail for free.

  • Turn electrical appliances off rather than leaving them on standby.

  • Only fill the kettle with as much water as you need when you boil it. Or boil it once and fill a flask for your cuppa’s during the day.

  • Cook with lids on pans and match ring size to saucepan size.

  • Avoid placing furniture in front of radiators, it prevents the warm air from circulating

  • Wait until you have a full load before using your washing machine and use a lower washing temperature (c. 30°C).

  • Use a shower instead of a bath when possible and keep them short - take the ‘four minute shower’ challenge.

  • Switch off lights in empty rooms. and close curtains at dusk.

Visit Home Energy Scotland for more tips and ideas to cut your bills and your energy consumption

Lil Tips & GuidesSarah Bronsdonenergy saving, cut energy bill, save money, save energy, climate change, climate action, COP26 Challenge, COP26Comment