Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is about ensuring we only use as much energy as we need to and don’t waste any. Improving energy efficiency in our homes, schools and workplaces is the easiest and cheapest way to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and it can also save us money!
This page gives you all the know-how you need to start saving energy today!
Measure Your Use
Knowing how much energy you currently use, and for what, will help identify where you can make savings.
There are a number of websites which offer carbon calculators making a standard calculation of your carbon dioxide emissions based on answers to questions about your home, transport and habits. Your results can be saved, and viewed against national averages and viewed again at a later date to see where you have made savings. See the Further Information section for some you might like to try. Smart metering and gadgets that display how much energy you are using at any given time are also great way to get familiar with your energy use patterns.
Free and Cheap Changes
There are several things you can do to immediately reduce your home energy use and save money:
- Draft proofing doors and windows: Draft proofing prevents heat being lost from your home. It can be as simple and cheap as using rolled up newspapers or draft proofing strips for doors and windows that are available in most DIY stores.
- Replacing all light bulbs with energy efficient equivalents: The range and quality of low energy light bulbs has increased substantially over the last few years so shop around until you find ones that suit your situation. If you use traditional (incandescent) light bulbs, only 10% of the electricity used is converted into light, and the rest is given off as heat! 4 low energy light bulbs on for 5 hours a day saves around £23 a year compared with using incandescent bulbs!
- Drying clothes naturally: This is not always easy in busy and compact households, but is well worth the effort. Try putting up a washing line or investing in a drying rack. Avoiding use of a tumble dryer in the summer can save £37 a year!
- Fully turning off electrical equipment: Switching off, and even better unplugging, is often simply a matter of habit but can make a significant difference to your electricity bills each month. Standby functions can still use up to one third of the energy used by appliances when in full use!
- Closing curtains at dusk: As the temperature drops in the evenings closing your curtains will slow the cooling of your living environment. If you can tuck curtains behind radiators even better, this will ensure heat goes into the room rather than out of the window!
- Only boiling the required amount of water: The more water, the more energy required to boil it. So fill the kettle and pans with enough water for the job and no more. Use a mug as a measure if this helps.
- Put the lid on: When boiling water for cooking or any other purpose, always remember to put the lid on the pan. This saves time as well as energy.
- Turning down the thermostat: Water and heating thermostats are often set much higher than they need to be, with water coming out too hot and radiators so warm we need to shed several layers of clothing. So, if you find yourself adding cold water to your hot just to wash your hands, you know your thermostat is set to high! Turning down your thermostat by just 1 degree will save money and around 300kg CO2 per annum!
Get Insulated!
A high level of insulation in floors, walls and lofts is the most effective way to reduce energy loss in the home. You will soon make enough energy savings to payback the costs of your insulation and grants may be available to help to cover the cost of insulation (see Further Information section). Areas of the house to think about are:
Loft:The loft is the easiest and most cost effective place to start with insulation improvements. It is now recommended to have 27cm in our lofts if using mineral wool.
Hot water tank: Fitting an insulating jacket around the hot water tank is relatively easy and cheap. Pre-cut jackets cost from around £5 to £15 and can pay for themselves within a year as they save up to 45% of heat losses. Touch the outside of your hot water tank and its existing insulation; if it feels warm it needs more insulation.
Walls: If you have cavity walls then it is relatively easy to get them filled with insulation. If you don’t have cavity walls, options include cladding or creating your own cavity with internal plasterboard which is then filled with insulation.
Windows and Doors: If you don’t already have double glazing then consider installing it. If double glazing isn’t appropriate for your building then you could consider secondary glazing on the interior instead. When purchasing any glazing, opt for wooden frames rather than UPVC frames as they require less energy to produce are made from a renewable resource.
The environmental impact of insulation materials themselves varies. For example, natural alternatives such as WarmCel (recycled newspaper) require less energy in their production than do artificial materials such as mineral wool. Natural insulation materials are easier to dispose of at the end of their life than their artificial counterparts, they can make for healthier home air quality, and often perform better in terms of breathability and moisture capture.
Energy Efficient Appliances
You can cut your energy use significantly if you buy energy efficient appliances. All white-goods sold in the UK now carry the European Energy Label - this rates their efficiency in energy use and runs from A to G. To maximise your energy efficiency only buy machines from band A (fridge freezers go up to A++) and look for the energy saving ‘recommended’ logo. Other points to consider might be:
Washing machine: Try to wash at reduced temperatures and wash a full load whenever you can or remember to use the half load setting if you have one.
Fridge and freezer: Fridges and freezers are among the most energy hungry appliances we have as they need to be on all the time. Ensuring seals are working correctly, defrosting regularly, and ensuring doors are shut properly after use will help reduce your fridge and freezers energy demand. However, if your fridge is over 10 years old it is highly likely to be very inefficient and so it may be worth investing in a new one.
What About Lighting?
Lighting accounts for a fifth of the average domestic electricity bill, so switching off lights when not needed (if the room is going to be empty for over 15 minutes) really does make a difference! Other things to think about are:
Natural light: Installation of roof lights, large windows and an open plan layout inside, all help to maximise natural light levels in your home and therefore reduce the need for artificial lighting.
Lighting placement: Consider where you place your light fittings. Concentrate on areas where lighting is needed most, and minimise lights in areas such as halls and bedrooms. Keeping lights wired separately will allow greater control over the amount of illumination. Don’t forget, choosing white or pale paint for your walls and ceiling will naturally reflect the light.
Of course, low energy light bulbs and dimmer switches will also reduce your electricity bills.
Further Information
For further help and advice on easy ways to save energy in the home, try the following:
Energy Saving Trust
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Offer advice on energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies as well as giving a home energy check with personalised recommendations for saving energy and money. Call 0800 512012
Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT)
www.cat.org.uk
CAT has a range of factsheets and publications on a variety of alternative technologies and runs courses on renewables and DIY installation. Contact their advice service on 01654 705989 for specific and brief enquiries
National Energy Foundation (NEF)
www.nef.org.uk
NEF is an independent educational charity that is working for more efficient, innovative and safe use of energy. Their website includes information about how households can utilise renewable energy. Call 01908 665555
ACT ON CO2
www.direct.gov.uk/actonco2
ACT ON CO2 is a Government initiative which aims to help people save money, save energy, and reduce their CO2 emissions. The campaign includes an online carbon calculator. Call 0800 512012
New Forest Transition
www.newforesttransition.org
New Forest Transition is a collection of community groups all working towards a more sustainable New Forest at a community level. Call 023 8029 2531
Carbon Rationing Action Groups
www.carbonrationing.org.uk
Carbon Rationing Action Groups are voluntary, carbon conscious, community groups. They measure their progress against an agreed carbon allowance and then share knowledge and skills in lower carbon living with the wider community and the national Carbon Rationing Action Groups network. Web based only
The mention of an individual product, brand or company is for illustrative purposes only and should not be taken as either an endorsement or recommendation by the New Forest National Park Authority of that individual product, brand or company. You are advised to seek independent professional advice as to what might be appropriate for your individual circumstances.
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