Solar panels
Have you considered solar panels? Using sunlight to power your home is a great way to cut both your costs and your carbon footprint. The installation of solar panels may not be cheap, but it’s a great way to produce energy to run your appliances and save money over time.
External wall insulation (EWI)
EWI is a great way to make your home warmer and more energy efficient. You’ll save money on your heating bills, and you can give your home a fresh new look. With a Weber EWI system, there’s a wide variety of colours and textures available as a finish. Need convincing? Why not read up on the benefits of EWI here.
Upgrade appliances
EWI systems and solar panels are ideal energy efficient solutions, but the initial cost can be a turn-off, especially if grants are not available. If you’d prefer to start small with modest changes, upgrading your home appliances is an easy way to make a difference. Older dishwashers can use up to double the amount of water that newer models do. If you’d prefer not to invest in a new one, consider using the energy-saving setting when washing your dishes.
Upgrade your bathroom
It may not sound like a big change, but even switching out your old shower head for a new one can make a big difference to the amount of water you’re using. Newer shower heads reduce the amount of water that flows through them per minute. And how about upgrading to a dual-flush toilet? You may be surprised the amount of water you can save with these small changes.
Seal your windows
While replacing old windows might be deemed the ideal solution for keeping the heat in and the draughts out, it may not be the most practical. A more economical solution is simply sealing your windows. The easiest way to do this is to use a little bit of caulk or silicone sealant between the window frame and the trim.
Make the switch to LED
Traditional incandescent light bulbs use between 25-80% more energy than LED or CFL (compact fluorescent lamps) light bulbs. LED bulbs have recently become much more affordable, and with a longer lifespan than their traditional counterparts, the choice is clear. And of course most importantly, don’t forget to switch lights off when you’re not using them.