What are the best energy-saving tips for homes?
Energy efficiency isn’t just a winter concern—it’s a lifestyle that pays off 365 days a year. Here are some year-round strategies to reduce your energy bill and keep your home running efficiently:
Embrace smart lighting: Switch to LED bulbs and consider using timers or motion sensors so your lights are only on when needed. Upgrading to LED lighting can reduce energy consumption by up to 80% compared to traditional bulbs.
Embrace smart lighting
Switch to LED bulbs and consider using timers or motion sensors so your lights are only on when needed. Upgrading to LED lighting can reduce energy consumption by up to 80% compared to traditional bulbs.
- Improve home insulation: Good insulation keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing the need for excessive heating or air conditioning. SEAI estimates that you could save up to €600 on your heating bills each year just by insulating the attic and walls of your home.
- Regular maintenance: Routine checks of your heating systems, windows, and doors help prevent energy loss. Simple fixes—like sealing drafts—can make a significant difference in your energy usage year-round.
- Draft-proofing and insulation: Keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer by insulating properly and sealing any gaps around doors and windows. It's an effective way to maintain your home's temperature.
- Cook smart: Covering pots and pans helps food cook faster and saves energy. It's a simple trick that makes a big difference.
- Use curtains and blinds wisely: Curtains can be your best friend for keeping heat in during winter nights and blocking out the sun's heat in summer, helping you rely less on heating and cooling systems.
- Dress for the season: Adapting your indoor attire to the season can reduce the need to adjust your heating or cooling. Warmer clothes in winter and lighter ones in summer can keep you comfortable naturally.
Energy-saving tips for your home appliances
Your appliances can be huge energy drains if not used wisely. Here are some practical, easy-to-follow tips for reducing energy consumption and keeping your bills in check—all while making your home more efficient.
Refrigerators
Refrigerators
- Keep it cool: Ensure the door seals are tight and clean to prevent cold air from escaping. Avoid overfilling the fridge to allow proper airflow.
- Minimise door openings: Each time you open the door, your fridge works harder to maintain the temperature. Try to keep door openings to a minimum.
- Optimal temperature: Set your refrigerator to the manufacturer’s recommended settings—typically between 3°C and 5°C—to maximise efficiency.
Washing machines
- Full loads only: Run your washing machine with full loads to maximise efficiency and save on water and energy.
- Use lower temperatures: Washing at lower temperatures can significantly reduce energy consumption without compromising cleanliness. Many modern detergents are effective even in cool water.
Dishwashers
- Full loads only: Operate your dishwasher only when it’s full. This not only saves energy but also water, making it one of the most effective energy-saving tips for home appliances.
- Choose the eco-cycle: Many dishwashers have an eco-cycle mode that uses lower temperatures and less water—ideal for efficient cleaning.
- Skip pre-rinsing: Most modern dishwashers are designed to handle food residue. Skipping the pre-rinse can significantly reduce water usage and energy consumption.
Ovens
- Avoid unnecessary preheating: Only preheat your oven when necessary. Skipping or reducing preheating time can lower energy usage.
- Harness residual heat: Turn off the oven a few minutes before the cooking time is up. Let the residual heat finish the job, saving energy without compromising your meal.
- Keep it clean: A clean oven reflects heat more effectively, improving cooking efficiency. Regularly clean spills and buildup to keep your oven in top condition.
Electrical devices
- Unplug and power down: Many appliances draw power even when off—so-called “phantom loads.” Unplug devices or use smart power strips to reduce this unnecessary energy drain.
- Invest in energy-efficient models: When it’s time to upgrade, choose appliances with high energy ratings. Energy-efficient models use less electricity and can lower your overall bills.
- Use energy-saving modes: Enable energy-saving settings on computers, TVs, and other gadgets. This can reduce power consumption during idle periods.
LPG: A smart and efficient energy option
For many Irish households, switching to LPG is not only an environmentally friendly choice—it’s a smart way to cut energy costs while ensuring your home stays warm and comfortable. Calor’s LPG-powered heating systems are designed to deliver rapid, consistent warmth, making them an ideal solution for homes not connected to the main gas grid.
- Efficient Heating: LPG systems heat your home quickly and maintain a steady temperature, so you only use energy when you need it. This targeted efficiency helps reduce energy wastage and lowers your monthly bills.
- Versatile Usage: Beyond heating, LPG can power a range of appliances—from water heaters and cooking stoves to outdoor BBQs—offering a unified energy solution that can simplify your lifestyle and reduce overall consumption.
- Reliable and Safe: With industry-leading safety features and precise controls, Calor’s LPG solutions provide peace of mind along with efficient energy use. Enjoy the benefits of a system engineered for reliability and performance, keeping your home secure all year round.
How to save energy when working from home
With more people working remotely than ever before, efficient energy use in your home office is key to reducing both costs and your carbon footprint.
- Maximise natural lighting: Arrange your workspace near windows to take advantage of daylight, reducing the need for electric lighting.
- Switch to smart heating & cooling: Use smart, programmable thermostats to keep your home office comfortable without wasting energy when you’re not around.
- Practice proper power management: Turn off your computer and other office equipment when not in use, and enable energy-saving settings on your devices to minimise phantom power usage.
- Use energy-efficient equipment: Upgrade to devices and appliances with high energy efficiency ratings. In Ireland, look for products that display the EU Energy Label or are recommended by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
- Monitor your energy use: Use smart plugs or energy monitoring tools to track your home office’s power usage. This data can help you pinpoint inefficient devices or habits and adjust your settings for maximum savings.
The takeaway
It’s clear - embracing energy-saving habits benefits your wallet and the environment. And, opting for cleaner energy options, such as gas and LPG, is a wise move towards a more sustainable way of living. Calor supports your journey by offering premium energy solutions that align with your needs.
If you're ready to embrace a more energy-efficient lifestyle, consider switching to Calor and start saving energy today!
Ready to save energy with Calor? Click to learn more about our cost-effective home energy solutions.
Have questions? Check out our Help Centre for more insights and support.
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