Electricity is essential energy for our modern lives, but it also comes at a cost, and today that cost is high. Not only do we have to pay for the electricity we use, but we also have to pay for the environmental and social impacts of generating it.
Most of the electricity in the UK comes from burning fossil fuels, such as coal, gas, and oil. These fuels emit greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change, air pollution that harms our health, and other environmental problems. They also deplete our natural resources and create geopolitical conflicts.
By saving electricity at home, we can reduce our demand for fossil fuels and help create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. We can also save money on our energy bills, increase the value of our homes, and improve our quality of life.
Here are four simple ways to save household electricity and why they matter.
1. Turn off electronic devices when you have finished using them
One of the easiest ways to save electricity at home is to turn off electronic devices when you are not using them. This includes TVs, computers, laptops, tablets, phones, chargers, game consoles, printers, speakers, and other gadgets.
Many electronic devices use electricity even when they are on standby mode or plugged in but not in use. This is called phantom or vampire power, and it can account for up to 10% of your household electricity consumption.
By turning off your electronic devices completely or unplugging them when you are finished using them, you can save electricity and money. You can also use power strips or smart plugs to control multiple devices with one switch.
2. Turn off your lights in unoccupied rooms
Another simple way to save electricity at home is to turn off your lights in unoccupied rooms. This may seem obvious, but many people forget to do it or leave lights on for convenience or security reasons.
However, leaving lights on when you don’t need them wastes electricity and money. It also generates heat that can make your home warmer and increase your cooling costs.
By turning off your lights in unoccupied rooms, you can save electricity and money. You can also use timers, sensors, or smart bulbs to automate your lighting and make it more efficient.
3. Turn your thermostat down by 4 degrees
Heating and cooling are some of the most expensive uses of electricity at home. They can account for up to 50% of your household energy consumption.
By turning your thermostat down by 4 degrees in winter or up by 4 degrees in summer, you can save electricity and money. You can also use programmable or smart thermostats to adjust your temperature settings according to your schedule and preferences.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, you can save up to ÂŁ75 per year by turning your thermostat down by one degree. That means you can save up to ÂŁ300 per year by turning it down by four degrees.
4. Consider renewable energy sources
The ultimate way to save electricity at home is to generate your own from renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines. Renewable energy sources do not emit greenhouse gases or other pollutants, do not deplete natural resources, and do not depend on foreign imports.
By generating your own electricity from renewable energy sources, you can save electricity and money. You can also benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme, which pays you for the excess electricity that you export back to the National Grid.
According to EnergySage, you can save up to ÂŁ564 per year by installing solar panels on your home. You can also increase the value of your home by up to 14%, according to a study by the Centre for Economics and Business Research.
Conclusion
Saving electricity at home is not only good for the environment, but also for your wallet. By following these four simple ways to save household electricity, you can reduce your carbon footprint, lower your energy bills, increase your property value, and improve your quality of life.
Are you ready to invest in Solar Panels and convert to clean, renewable energy?
If you are a UK homeowner and interested in learning more about the different types of Solar PV systems, contact our expert team today. By filling out our contact form, our team will provide you with a free no-obligation quote to install a bespoke solar PV system, catered to your energy needs. Call us on 01268 928 690 or click the ‘Enquire Now’ button below to claim your free no-obligation quote and solar panel system design.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Panels
The short answer is yes. Solar panels can cut 70% off your energy bills, and that proportion is growing as gas bills rise. No wonder installations have risen by 45% in the last three years, and shot up by 80% in the last year alone. But solar panels are an investment.
1-2 bedroom property, 8 solar panels generating about 2,100 kWh a year.
3 bedroom property, 12 solar panels generating about 3,100 kWh a year.
4-5 bedroom property, 16 solar panels generating about 4,200 kWh a year.
The answer depends on how much you pay for the solar panels, how much your electricity would otherwise cost, how much green energy the panels make from the sunshine you get, and whether you have a battery installed or not. The average payback period for solar PV is coming down and can be about 10 to 20 years depending on your system.
The industry standard for most solar panels’ lifespans is 25 to 30 years. Most reputable manufacturers offer production warranties for 25 years or more. The average break even point for solar panel energy savings occurs six to 10 years after installation.
Whilst there is no hard and fast rule as to how much value solar panels can add to the overall value of your property, suggestions range from 4% to 14% on average and they are certainly unlikely to detract from the value of your home, even if they aren’t the most attractive feature visually.
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