Energy efficiency
Before you think about installing a solar energy system to generate energy at home, there are several steps you can take to minimise your energy consumption. Reducing your consumption is an important step because it reduces the size of the solar system you need and ensures the energy you generate is not wasted.
The following is a list of energy efficiency measures which Solarcentury recommends all home owners follow, before installing solar panels:
- Lights: Fit energy efficient light bulbs and always turn them off when you leave a room. Adjust your curtains or blinds to let in as much light as possible during the day so that you do not need to use electric lights.
- Televisions, videos, stereos, computers, and cordless phones: To cut down on wasted energy, avoid leaving appliances on standby and remember not to leave them on charge unnecessarily (but check the user manual first). Some households can save as much as 15% of their energy consumption by avoiding leaving things on ‘standby’.
- Fridges: Don't leave the door open for longer than necessary - cold air escapes. Avoid putting hot or warm food straight into the fridge by allowing it to cool down first. Defrost your freezer regularly to keep it running efficiently and cheaply. If it tends to frost up quickly, check the door seal. And if you have your fridge next to a cooker or boiler, leave a good gap between them. Fixing a ‘sava-plug’ will also reduce your fridge’s energy consumption.
- Washing machines and tumble dryers: Always wash a full load if you can't use a half-load or economy programme. Always use the low temperature programme bearing in mind that modern washing powders will be just as effective at lower temperatures. Wringing out or spin-drying really wet clothes before putting them into a tumble dryer will save you money, because they dry faster.
- Draught exclusion: Eliminate draughts and wasted heat using easy-to-fix brushes or seals on your exterior doors.
- Insulation: Insulate your cavity walls, loft, floor, hot water tank, pipes and glazing to significantly reduce your utility bills now and in the future.
- Thermostat: Turning your thermostat down by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10%.
- Hot water: Of course it should be hot, but it doesn't need to be scalding. For most people, setting the cylinder thermostat at 60°C/140°F is fine for bathing and washing.
- Plug it: Always put the plug in your basin or sink. Leaving hot water running straight down the drain really is throwing money away.
- Curtains: close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.
- Dishwashers: Try and use the low temperature programme, and ensure you wash a full load.
- Energy-efficient appliances: If you are buying new products always choose appliances that carry the ‘A rated’ Energy Efficiency logo.
Visit the Energy Saving Trust website for more information: www.est.org.uk
