Switch to LED bulbs

LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. They also produce less heat, which can help keep your home cooler in the summer. You can find LED bulbs in various colors and brightness levels to suit your preferences.

Use smart power strips

Many devices and appliances consume electricity even when they are turned off or in standby mode. This is called phantom or vampire power and it can add up to a significant amount of energy waste. To avoid this, you can use smart power strips that automatically cut off power to devices that are not in use. You can also unplug devices that you don’t use frequently, such as chargers, printers, or gaming consoles.

Adjust your thermostat

Heating and cooling account for a large portion of your energy consumption. You can save energy by adjusting your thermostat according to the season and your schedule. In the winter, you can lower your thermostat by a few degrees when you are away or sleeping. In the summer, you can raise it by a few degrees when you are at home and use fans or natural ventilation to cool down. You can also invest in a programmable or smart thermostat that can automatically adjust the temperature based on your preferences and habits.

Seal air leaks and add insulation.

Air leaks and poor insulation can cause heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, making your home less comfortable and more expensive to maintain. You can seal air leaks around windows, doors, outlets, pipes, and vents with caulk or weatherstripping. You can also add insulation to your attic, walls, floors, and basement to improve your home’s thermal performance.

Upgrade your appliances

If you have old or inefficient appliances, you might want to consider replacing them with newer models that have a higher rating on their Energy Rating Label. Appliances which meet strict standards of energy efficiency can save you up to 50% on your energy bills compared to standard models. You can also look for appliances that have features such as timers, sensors, or eco-modes that can help you optimise your energy usage.

Prepare Your Meals Ahead of Time

One of the biggest energy contributors at peak times is cooking. Plan your cooking to maximise your energy use and avoid wasting energy unnecessarily. You could also try cooking with smaller, more energy-efficient cooking devices like a slow cooker or an air fryer. If you meal prep for the week, you can save even more precious time (and money). You’ll only have to cook once and can avoid peak hours altogether.

Switch Things Off

You can also switch off any unnecessary lights (including any outside lights!). During the daytime, make the most of the natural light in your home by moving your desk or workstation closer to the windows. During the evenings, you can bundle up and enjoy some battery-powered fairy lights or even light a candle or two (make sure you do it safely) to make the most of the cosy winter evenings.

This won’t make a massive difference overall – stuff like the tumble dryer can use around 2500W in a cycle, so that’s where you’ll see the biggest impact, whereas a standard bulb typically uses around 100W and an LED around 18W. But it’s always good (and environmentally conscious) to switch off lights in rooms you’re not using.

Charge up in advance

Turn off electronic devices

Why not try switching off typical evening entertainment like the television and games consoles? While you’re not watching TV, here’s a few different things you can try instead. Have some good old-fashioned fun. See it as a great opportunity to catch up on reading, board games or even a night in with friends and family. Get creative and have some fun!

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be doing your bit for the environment, which is always a good thing. Remember, some energy use is unavoidable, so don’t turn off anything essential.