Today let’s talk about how to improve your home’s carbon footprint
As the cost of living continues to rise, many UK homeowners have started to take note of ways in which to improve their monthly spend. One of the ways households are achieving this is through energy-saving techniques.
How to Improve Your Home’s Carbon Footprint
According to a survey covered by The Times in 2019, the average UK household is now paying an average of £1,813 for their energy bill each year. Thankfully, with just a few changes here and there, homeowners can cut back on their spend and reduce their carbon footprint at the same time. Let’s look at just four ways you can cut back on your energy bill.
Convenient is More Efficient?
Thanks to advances in technology, cooking and cleaning have become far simpler tasks than they were even 10 years ago and when it comes to convenience the microwave is king. In 2018 it was estimated that there were around 23 million microwaves in UK homes and, although microwaves have seen their fair share of controversy relating to their carbon footprints, modern appliances have come a long way in minimising their impact. On the whole, microwaves are more efficient than traditional ovens as they use less energy to achieve a similar result.
Switch to LEDs
While installing a single low-energy bulb in your home may not make much difference to your power spend and carbon footprint, if millions chose to switch to LEDs then their efforts will make a significant impact on the UK’s energy demand, this according to a report by the BBC.
The great thing about this tip is that you don’t even need to go out and change all your existing bulbs immediately, rather you can replace them as bulbs go out in your home.
Service Your Appliances Regularly
Appliances are items that you only really think of when you need to use them, or they are not working. A machine that is experiencing issues may use more power than it needs to achieve the same results. Regular services will ensure your devices are working as efficiently as possible to make the least impact on your utility bill. Likewise, your electrical system in your home needs regular maintenance to ensure your safety as well as compliance with regulatory standards.
It should be noted that electrical testing for both fixed wire and portable appliances must be done by trained professionals, such as the teams at electricalsafetycertificate.co.uk who can offer services such as periodic electrical testing, emergency light testing, fire alarm testing and more.
Invest in Your Own Power Source
In 2019, the residential sector accounted for 19% of all carbon dioxide emissions in the UK; almost a fifth of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. To combat this, many households are choosing to switch to renewable energy that they can generate themselves at home.
Aside from the ever-popular solar panel option, small-scale wind turbines have seen a rise in popularity in homes as they are less fragile than solar panels and only require a small breeze to generate power.
We’ve taken a look at just a few ways you can cut your utility bill and help the planet. Now is the time for you to start making a difference in your own home.
How to Improve Your Home’s Carbon Footprint (and Save Money) is a feature post
