Common misinterpretations about energy efficiency are that it requires intense changes in your lifestyle, leading to thoughts of dark rooms without TVs and bare kitchens without many appliances. In the modern world, however, the perfect energy-efficient home is just like any other: plenty of light, completely functional, cosy and warm, and filled with all the usual modern technology. Remember that it’s not about removing resources in order to save energy, it’s about providing those same services and resources while using less energy than you otherwise would.

It’s an interesting concept for all those who care about the environment (and their hard-earned money!), but it’s one that can seem daunting to many individuals. What can you do to save energy? Where do you even begin? Does it really make any difference? And how much does it all cost? It’s important to know you don’t need to completely overhaul your living situation in order to achieve an energy-efficient home, but here are the main factors that have a major impact on the efficiency of your home…

• Lighting. Using energy-efficient light bulbs throughout your home will reduce the amount of energy you use and save on average £35 on your energy bills – enough to fund an extra cheeky takeaway!

• Insulation. It is important to know 35% of heat loss occurs through the walls, 20% through the roof, 15% through the windows, and 10% through the floors. Strengthening & properly insulating these areas of your home can help to retain a lot more heat. Each of these installations often involves big upfront costs, but they will always end up saving you money in the long run.

• Heating. Although coming home from work to a nice warm house is something we all love, receiving that monthly heating bill often leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. Proper insulation (the previous point) can predominantly help with this and getting rid of your outdated space heaters is a must! They’re very expensive to run, use up far too much energy and most importantly they are bad for the environment! Instead, new heating systems are far better for the environment and your wallet! 

• Appliances. Think about how often you cool/freeze food in the fridge and freezer, wash/dry clothes in the washing machine and tumble dryer, or wash dishes in the dishwasher. British Gas estimates that in the UK, these common appliances use up around £3.4 billion worth of energy per year. When purchasing these appliances, the key is to pay attention to standardised energy ratings and conduct a bit of research before each purchase to ensure you have the most energy-efficient product that suits your needs.  

• Change of habits. No one wants a lecture but remember our lifestyle choices affect our environment…it makes a huge difference just turning off some appliances when you aren’t using them. Many of your products on ‘standby’ mode may be using up large amounts of energy in the background without you noticing.