Author: Sam Hubble
We’ve set up this blog to be a resource for people who are looking for energy saving tips and to provide a more interactive platform to supplement the info we have on our website.
We’re also keen to use it as an opportunity to have a bit of fun and let people engage more, so we asked our social media followers about the weird and wacky ways that they try to save energy in the home.
Using the #EnergyHacks hashtag on Twitter we received a range of responses. We’ve shared some of the best below.
Some took the opportunity to create a romantic vibe whilst simultaneously saving energy, while other ideas showed true ‘thinking outside the box’ ingenuity.
Others demonstrated the lengths that some people are prepared to go to cut down on their energy bills. We’re not sure how safe or recommendable cooking with an iron, hairdryer, dishwasher or other appliance is, but it is certainly different – and dedicated!
Whilst we enjoyed some of the more unusual ‘out there’ suggestions above, there were also some really useful ideas that are worth considering in your own home.
Making sure that your freezer is tightly packed ensures it works at optimum efficiency. An added bonus is that in the unfortunate event of a power cut, your food will stay frozen for longer.
Check out this article to explain how this – and other energy-saving tips in the kitchen – works.
Follow Elton’s advice: Find draughts using a Candle In The Wind
Another useful suggestion involved using a candle flame to identify draughts along windows and doorframes. Obviously care needs to be taken with a naked flame, but this can help to find draughts that may be difficult to pick up by sight alone.
In addition to the more well-known offenders, letter boxes and keyholes can be sources of draughts. Draught excluders and keyhole covers are cheap and can be easily fitted, and are well worth the investment to both save you money and create a warmer, more comfortable environment.
A final draught-related tip involves chimneys. Unused open fireplaces enable heat to escape, however, Chimney Balloons can help to reduce this heat loss and are also reasonably cheap and easy to fit. Just remember to remove these if you decide to light a fire!
If you have any queries about draught-proofing, energy-efficiency or other energy-saving tips, please get in touch.
Also, if you’ve got any more #EnergyHacks, share away. We’re keen to find out more about the novel and interesting tips people have.
Below are a few links with more information on quick and easy measures you can take to cut down on the energy you use in the home:
http://www.theguardian.com/big-energy-debate/2014/oct/20/energy-saving-extremists-sponge-letterbox
http://www.earth911.com/home-garden/7-surprising-ways-to-save-energy/
Extra layers and wrapping up warm may make it more comfortable to heat your home less and save money
NB: It is also worth double-checking tips you receive as many myths surrounding energy-saving exist, as this article shows. You don’t want to waste time or money following bad advice.
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