Most of the energy we use in our homes is produced using processes that release CO2 emissions into the air. CO2 emissions are the most significant cause of climate change, so saving energy at home is one of the most important things you can do to fight climate change.
A good place to start is to borrow an energy monitor from a Surrey library. They lend them out for free and you can find out where your energy is going. Here are some ideas to bring down your energy usage (and bills!):
Insulate your Loft and Cavity Walls
To upgrade your loft insulation and install cavity wall insulation, contact www.heatproject.co.uk or 0800 093 4050. They give a free survey and you should be eligible for a council grant towards the cost. Most houses have cavity walls but no insulation. Payback around 3 years. If anyone has any local companies they’d recommend doing this work, please let us know and we’ll post it here.
Stop those draughts!
Hold a Sustainable Redhill draught-busting event – for more information, contact us. Alternatively …
Turn down the thermostat for radiators in little used rooms… and in the whole house too – wear a fleece to look cool and feel warm!
Heat the room, not the wall – fix an insulating sheet behind radiators on external walls.
Fit draught excluders to external doors (and the letter box!) and windows (remember to leave some ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms.)
Switch to a green energy supplier
All you have to do is phone and they do the rest. You buy renewable energy and encourage the industry to generate more. The top three (with 100% renewable energy generation) are:
- Good Energy (0845 456 1640, www.good-energy.co.uk) 100% renewable energy
- Ecotricity (08000 326 100, www.ecotricity.co.uk) 100% renewable, mainly wind
- Green Energy (0845 456 9550, www.greenenergyuk.com) buys 100% renewables
Cheaper lighting
Low energy light bulbs save 80% electricity and last 12 times longer. Payback less than 1 year. They used to cost a lot and take ages to turn on –no longer! Shop around or order in bulk online – www.bltdirect.com, www.lightbulbs-direct.com, www.efficientlight.co.uk.
Remember - Order dimmer-friendly light bulbs for dimmer switches
Solar water heater
Even in winter, solar panels give hot water. Initial costs repaid over time (shop around for a good supplier – if anyone recommends a local firm, please contact us and we’ll post it here).
Buy energy efficient appliances
Buy Energy & Water Efficient Grade A Appliances. Replace old boilers (over 15 years) with an energy efficient condensing one.
Some tips and ideas for a more sustainable lifestyle
Water
- Tap water is as healthy as bottled water, but cheaper and no bottle to recycle
- Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth or wash your hands
- Always make sure the washing machine/dishwasher is full when used
- Take a shower instead of a bath
- Repair any dripping taps
Energy
- Turn your thermostat down 1 degree and save up to 10% on your heating bill
- Turn off unused lights and appliances, and save money
- Cool wash – try your own whites test on a 30o wash instead of a 40o wash.
- Buying a washing machine? Check the labels for the best energy rating.
- Don’t leave the fridge open for long and avoid putting warm food in the fridge.
- Try and wash a full load in your washing machine and use the economy programme if you have one.
- Boil as little as you’ll need – modern kettles have the element right at the bottom
- Turn off appliances completely instead of leaving them on standby
Diet
- See the ‘food’ section.
Waste
- Recycle wherever possible. A list of all local recycling places coming soon.
- Donate, lend or exchange items to others via Freecycle to help reduce excessive consumption and minimise waste: www.freecycle.org.uk
