The New Year is almost upon us, and many of us will have already started thinking about our New Year’s resolutions. Research shows that around 60% of us make New Year’s resolutions but only about 8% will actually achieve them.
It can be a good idea to focus your efforts on changing just one thing, rather than trying to make huge lifestyle changes right across the board.
If you plan to focus on saving energy in 2020, you’ll be on to a good thing. If you can make a few small adjustments to your daily life, this resolution will pay dividends, both in lower energy bills and reduced impact on the environment.
Saving energy is not too difficult, and most measures you can take are simply common sense. It’s just about getting into the habit of doing them consistently.
Here are our top 7 energy-saving tips for 2020:
1. Cavity wall and loft insulation
Insulating your home will stop heat escaping, making it cosier in the winter months and cheaper to heat. Cavity wall and loft insulation can save you over £450 per year, and you may even qualify for a grant to cover the initial outlay. However, be aware that cavity wall insulation isn’t right for every property, so seek an expert opinion before undertaking this kind of work.
2. Double-glazing
Double-glazed windows are far more efficient than the old-style single-glazed ones. Yes, it’s an investment, but it’s one that will pay off over time as you’ll save on your energy bills as well as adding value to your home.
3. New boiler
How old is your boiler? The older it is, the less energy-efficient it will be, even if you get it serviced regularly. If your boiler is past its best, think about replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. Again, this can be relatively expensive upfront, but in the long run you could save £300 per year AND add make your property more attractive to buyers if you plan to move in the next few years.
4. Switch off your appliances
It sounds obvious but it’s surprising how many people don’t do this. Electricity still runs inside an appliance even if it’s on standby mode. Switch your appliances off at the socket when they’re not in use.
5. Replace your light bulbs
Replacing all your old bulbs with the latest eco-friendly LED lights can save oodles of energy, and put up to £35 per year in your pocket. They’ll last you for years to come too.
6. Turn down your thermostat
By turning your thermostat down by just one degree, the average homeowner should save around £80 a year on their heating bills, and you’ll barely notice the difference in heat. You could also think about trying one of the new thermostats, which are operated by smart technology. You can operate your heating from your phone and it will even send you a monthly breakdown on your energy usage.
7. Know your consumption
If you find that family members are less inclined to save energy by switching off lights and electrical appliances that aren’t in use, try investing in an electricity meter with a digital display. Seeing electricity bills mounting up before their very eyes will soon bring them round to your way of thinking!
