Running an energy-efficient home this
winter doesn't necessarily entail buying expensive solar panels or wind
generators. Neither does it mean you have to wear your outdoor clothes inside
to stop you shivering! Here are 8 useful tips.
Laundry:
Wait until you have a full load of laundry and run the machine on cold.
Detergents are available to clan clothes at low temperatures.
Dishes:
Don't pre-rinse your dishes as this wastes energy. And wait until the
dishwasher is full before turning it on. If you have the time, use the air dry
or no-heat dry settings so the dishes dry without using electricity.
Windows:
In the winter during the day, open the blinds on south-facing windows to allow
the sun to warm your home then close them in the evening to increase
insulation. (In the summer, you can do the opposite to keep your home cool.)
Computers
and TVs: Turn off your appliances when you are not using them. Even when
they're in standby mode they are still using electricity -- it's estimated 5%
of household energy use is from appliances leaking away electricity. So turn
them off at the wall.
Showers:
While a long, hot shower is nice and relaxing, you can save a lot of money
taking shorter showers and by installing energy-efficient showerheads that give
you a good shower while reducing water use.
Space
heaters: Surprisingly, space heaters are a lot cheaper than a central
heating system. And don't forget to turn them off when you're out. Installing a
programmable thermostat will also keep your heating bill low.
Furnace
filter: Change the filter at the start of every season and then every month
or two after because a dirty filter makes the furnace work harder and be less
efficient.
Floors
and drafts: If you've got hardwood floors, put down some rugs, particularly
if you have wood floors above a cold basement. Make sure also that you've
installed insulation such as weather-stripping at the bottom of doors.
