The 8th Energy Saving Week campaign runs from 17th to 23rd January.
This is a national campaign which aims to help, encourage and provide tips which will help us all to save energy and together reduce the nation’s use of fossil fuels.
There are lots of ways to make your home more energy efficient and comfortable. We’ve put together some tips to help reduce your energy consumption and potentially save a little on bills.
Switch Off
This is easiest thing you can do, the trick is remembering to do so!
Heating
Whether you have central heating or use electricity simply turn the heating off when you leave the house or if you go away. If there are rooms which you do not use too often make sure to switch radiators off in these rooms or areas of your home.
Appliances
Switch off all your appliances at night and when you are not home. You should turn off your computer whenever you are not going to use it for more than an hour, plug out your monitors and laptops over the weekends and holidays.
Devices
Use a power strip where you can plug all your devices in this means that at night or when you leave the house, you can easily unplug your devices at once.
Lighting
Turn off lights when you are leaving a room or when you do not need them. Be sure when replacing bulbs that you invest in some energy saving ones.
Cooking
When your food is nearly cooked, turn off the rings/oven and use the built up heat to finish cooking your food.
Appliances
Washing machine and dishwasher
Most of the energy used by a dishwasher and washing machine is for water heating. By running these appliances at a lower temperature setting you will save on your energy costs. Make sure to have full loads before switching them on to avoid wasting water and energy.
Try to use the washing machine and dishwasher at times when there is lower energy demand and avoid turning it on between 7-9 in the morning and 5-7 at night.
If you have a night metre try to use these appliances at night time not only will you save money but you will help avoid excessive CO2 emissions from power stations.
Tumble dryer
Tumble dryers are big energy guzzlers so avoid using it, get a clothes horse and take advantage of dry weather, the same goes here for the times of the day you should avoid using it.
Fridge / Freezer
Don’t leave the fridge door open for too long while getting food. For every 10–20 seconds the door is open it takes 45 minutes for the fridge to cool down to its original temperature.
Don’t put warm or hot food straight into the fridge or freezer. The fridge or freezer has to work extra hard and draw more energy to cool it down. Thawing food in the fridge is better for keeping your food safe to eat and keeps the fridge cool.
Defrost the inside of your freezer at least every 6 months to help it run efficiently.
Temperature
Heating
Turn the thermostat for your living areas down to 20°C. The temperature in hallways and bedrooms should be cooler, ideally between 15-18°C. You can reduce your heating bill by 10% by lowering your room temperature by just one degree.
Radiators
Use the radiator valve to turn the temperature down or off in rooms that you do not use a lot.
Hot water
Set your hot water thermostat to between 60-65°C, to make sure that you do not overheat your water.
Appliances
Most of the energy used by a dishwasher and washing machine is for water heating. Run them on a lower temperature setting and save on your energy costs. Wash clothes at 30°C if they aren’t particularly dirty.
Fridge freezer
Keep your fridge's temperature at between 2–3°C for the best performance. This keeps your food safe to eat and avoids freezing (and ruining) your fruit and veg. The freezer should be set to -15°C.
Hot Water
Showers
A shower typically uses 20% of the energy compared to a full bath, so keep the bath as a treat. If you can get a water restricting shower head and if you have issues with water pressure this will also help to increase it.
Taps
Don’t leave the hot tap running - you are pouring energy and money down the drain.
Cooking
Oven
Keep your oven door shut and use the space well. Batch cooking saves you time and energy, especially if you have a busy lifestyle.
Hob
Don’t let the heat escape by covering your pots and pans with a lid. The lid keeps the heat in and reduces condensation in the kitchen. Use the right sized hob for your pan - the closer the match, the less energy you use.
Kettle
Don't boil full kettles for one cup of tea, but do make sure you have enough water to cover the element.
Energy savers
Where possible use a microwave for cooking, and use the toaster rather than the grill.
Source: SEAI
