It’s now more important than ever to be aware of how our everyday actions and decisions affect the planet. With news of plastic polluting the oceans and melting polar ice caps, it’s time for people to take a stand in order to protect the planet. But other than recycling your plastics and cans, leaving the car at home more often, or scrapping single use plastics, what can we do to make a difference at home?
Many energy advice sites recommend purchasing newer, more energy efficient appliances, but this isn’t really cost-effective in the short term. Thankfully, there are ways to convert your old appliances into more energy (and cost) efficient versions of their old selves! Here are our top tips….
1. The dryer
Tumble dryers are extremely handy when you’re in a hurry, however they can waste energy if you’re not careful. The filters are meant to be cleaned after every use, but everyone has forgotten once or twice… Clear out any lint that has gathered in the filter, then pour a little water on the filter screen to see if the water passes through. If it doesn’t and pools on top of the filter, your filter needs a thorough cleaning. Give it a good scrubbing in soapy, warm water, then rinse it off and try pouring a little water through again. If it still pools a little, repeat your soap-water attack on the filter!
2. The washing machine
Turning down your wash from 60 degrees to 40 is one of the easiest ways to save energy for your household. Opt to wash your clothes on a cold wash setting for the following benefits beyond saving the planet:
- Protect colour vibrancy
- Protect elastics
- Better stain removal (warm water actually keeps the stain in!)
- Money saving
3. The air-con
No one likes a cold house, but it’s just as uncomfortable to sit in an overly warm home. If you are lucky enough to have an air conditioning unit in your home, it needs a little TLC every now and again to keep it working effectively and prevent any overuse of energy. Greener Ideal recommends getting a professional out to inspect your air-conditioning unit to make sure it is still running efficiently and effectively. If your system is making any strange noises, best to give a professional a call.
4. The dishwasher
You should always wait until the dishwasher is fully loaded before setting it off. Also, be sure to have your full load placed efficiently in the dishwasher to fit in as much as possible without compromising on cleaning. If your model has a drying cycle, it’s a good idea to turn this off and let your dishes dry naturally. You can open the door at the end and leave them overnight to dry off.
Running an eco-friendly home won’t cost you a thing – in fact, you’re likely to make some big savings. these tips on board and your home and workspace can be its greenest. When the time does come to replace your older appliances, be sure to keep in mind whether or not it is energy efficient.
5. The electronics
This next point is something that we have all done at one point or another – leaving our TV’s and electronics on standby at night. Charging our phones overnight when they really don’t need that long. Games consoles left to hum away in the dark. If you’re looking to lower your bills and your carbon footprint, switch them off completely before you go to bed.
The Energy Saving Trust recently reported that we spend an additional £30 every year just from leaving our appliances on standby. Spending £30 for something you’re not using isn’t good, and worse, it’s not good for the environment. So, be sure to check your electric connection and make sure that all of your devices are properly turned off before going to bed.
6. The heating
Boilers have a lifespan of around 15 years, but if you have an older model you can still improve its efficiency. Simply turn the thermostat down a few degrees and turn it off at night. You’ll sleep better if your body can cool down anyway, and a few degrees less during the day won’t make you uncomfortable. Consider popping another layer on next time you reach to turn up the thermostat, as usually, this is enough to warm you up!