In today’s economy with inflation on the rise and the average household income being eroded, saving money where you can is a necessity and one effective way to cut household spending is to save money on your ever rising energy bills. One way to do this which both benefits your bank balance, and the environment is by making your home more eco-friendly.
Making your home eco-friendly can seem like a daunting task, but there are many small changes you can make to have a big impact. From your light bulbs to your appliances, there are a number of ways to save energy and conserve resources. Here are a few tips from the team at GM Services to get you started:
- Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs
This is an easy change that can make a big difference. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. This saves money in the short term on your energy bills and in the long term as you don’t need to replace them as often!
- Install a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat can help you save energy by automatically adjusting the temperature when you’re not home. It is estimated that you could save up to 10% annually on your energy bill by programming your thermostat to be on low or off at times when you are not at home or when you don’t need it on high such as when you are sleeping.
- Use energy-efficient appliances and turn current appliances off
When shopping for new appliances, look for the energy label which tells you how efficient that appliance is. Energy-efficient appliances use less energy and can save you money on your utility bills. The Energy Savings Trust say you can save up to £55 a year just by remembering to turn off your appliances at the plug when they are not in use rather than leaving them on stand-by.
- Insulate your home
Proper insulation can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which can save you energy and money. The UK government does offer grants to help with the cost of this for certain households.
- Weatherise your home
Sealing drafts and gaps around doors and windows so the heat cannot escape can also help you save energy and money. Your heating doesn’t need to work as hard to keep the room at your required temperature and you will use less energy in the long run.
Making your home more eco-friendly doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Even small changes can make a big difference. Our engineers at GM Services are trained in all aspects of domestic heating and plumbing to the highest standard. If you are considering installing a programmable thermostat or you would just like an expert opinion on how to streamline your heating system to ensure it is as cost effective as it can be, please do not hesitate to contact our team. We will ensure you get professional advice, tailored to your needs to help you through these tough times.