Save Energy & Uplift Your Lifestyle

7 Actionable Ways to Save Energy & Uplift Your Lifestyle

Saving energy at home doesn't have to mean compromising your lifestyle. By switching to green energy, investing in modern appliances and upgrading light fittings, you can add value and comfort to your home.

Below, find seven ways to save energy and boost your everyday life at the same time.

Compare energy costs

One of the simple ways to save energy without compromising your current lifestyle is to check out the different deals and price plans on offer. It's important to regularly compare quotes to secure cheap electricity and water.

Look out for late fees, payment methods and the type of contract being offered before making any final decisions.

Upgrade your lightbulbs

Swapping out old light bulbs for energy-saving LEDs is a great way to reduce energy consumption. No longer as expensive as they used to be, they will save you money in the long run as they are designed to last for around 50,000 hours. They're safer than CFL bulbs and light up within a few seconds. To save further energy, it's important to make a habit out of turning off the lights when you leave a room.

Use smart technology

Although it may not sound like it will provide cheap electricity, smart technology will save you both money and energy in the long term. It will give you the power to turn the heating on before you get home and the lights will turn off, even if you forget.

Invest in modern appliances

Switching out old appliances such as your dishwasher or oven for a more modern appliance will reduce the amount of energy you use - a great excuse to upgrade your kitchen.

Although an appliance may cost more upfront, it will end up costing more to run a cheaper, less efficient device over the years. When shopping for a new fridge, dryer, television or air conditioner, make sure to check the energy rating first. The higher the star rating, the more energy-efficient it is.

Secondly, take a look at the red box on the label. There should be a number indicating the kWh of electricity it will use in one year. The lower the number, the cheaper it will be to run.

Likewise, if you are looking to purchase a new dishwasher or washing machine, it's important to check the Water Efficiency Labelling (WELS) to get an idea of its water usage.

Insulate your home

Insulating your home and blocking draughts will prove a great investment of your time and money for years to come. It will even allow you to spend the money you would have used on excess heating or air conditioning elsewhere.

Insulating the roof, walls and floors will reduce heat flow in and out of your home. Using recycled materials to do so is a great way to lessen your environmental impact further. Blocking draughts will also help prevent heat loss in the winter and stop heat from entering the summer. Look at sealing gaps around windows, doors, walls and fireplaces.

Switch to green energy

Green energy is derived from natural, renewable sources. Installing sustainable energy at home is another brilliant way to reduce energy usage and costs. You may choose to install solar panels on your roof, which can be converted into electricity. They generate power during daylight hours, stored in batteries so you can use electricity at home no matter what time of day.

Solar energy can be used to provide hot water and heating as well. Usually fitted to your roof, the panels heat water stored in a cylinder ready to use. It's a great way to add value to your home in the long run.

Consider micro hydropower

Micro hydropower is an option for homeowners, business owners or farmers who have water flowing through the property via a stream or small river. A micro-hydropower system requires a turbine or water wheel, which will transform the power from running water into rotational energy, which gets converted into electricity.

By adopting some of these changes, you will not only save energy and utility costs but will add value to your home & lifestyle for years to come.