This year, saving energy is more important than ever, for more than one reason. The Cost-of-Living Crisis is hitting us hard, and so is climate change. Just last year, the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK reached up to 40.3 degrees Celsius! With prices increasing for nearly everything, this article will help you save money and the environment at the same time. Which is even more crucial for the festive season.
Staying warm
Staying warm is very important, particularly when the UK cold weather is growing more severe. In December 2022, over 1000 people died as a result of living in cold homes according to End Fuel Poverty.
However, bills for heating are high and the use of central heating can be bad for the environment, especially with gas boilers. Instead of turning on the central heating, first try throwing on a jumper or two (bonus points if it’s Christmas themed!).
Why not try moving about and doing some exercise? This will be even more beneficial if you have been sitting down for a long time, as around 80% of energy used for contracting muscles is converted to heat energy.
Or you can set timers on your heating, so it isn’t on for too much time. Also make sure that you turn off radiators in rooms you aren’t using.
Another way is to draught-proof gaps in doors, windows and walls which saves up to £105 per year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
They also say that turning your heating down by 1°C can save you up to £80 a year. The ideal temperature is somewhere between 18°C and 21°C (lower for healthier, young people and higher for older people or people with disabilities). So, turning the heat down doesn’t only save you money but the environment at the same time.
Electricity
Everyone knows the basics of saving energy. The first way is usually turning the lights off, especially in rooms you aren’t using or during the day when there is natural light. However, the Energy Saving Trust says that turning off the lights can save up to £25 per year.
Another way of saving money is not overfilling your kettle. When you are making your hot chocolate (or any hot drink), instead of pouring water in and just guessing, you could fill up the mug with cold water and then pour it into the kettle. This can save you up to £11 per year.
Christmas Time
Around Christmas time, more electricity is used for many reasons. Fairy lights, cooking the turkey in the oven and having a Christmas movie marathon. On Christmas day alone, in the UK, we use £66 million of electricity. That is roughly the amount that would power the Eiffel Tower for 50 years. So how can this be reduced?
By switching to LED lights, you can save money. According to EDF Energy, incandescent lights can cost 83% more than LEDs in energy bills, and LEDs last much longer. They are also safer, especially with younger children in the house as they don’t get hot.
Another way to save money when cooking food in the oven is to leave the door shut and to not keep checking on the foods progress. The air from outside the oven enters, cooling down the oven meaning it needs more energy to heat back up to temperature.
You might find the following links useful to help you navigate ways to conserve energy:
https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/hub/quick-tips-to-save-energy/ – Energy Saving Trust
Let’s save money and the environment at the same time!
Merry Christmas!
By Abigail Leaper