Here is a list of Energy Saving Tips you can implement in your own home or business that can help reduce your energy consumption and lower your carbon footprint. Energy conservation is key to reducing global emissions and in the process you can save some money and do your part in helping keep your local environment clean.

• Turn off appliances when they are not in use. Do not leave them on standby. Standby can use up to 20% on some inefficient appliances. Most modern electronics will still keep settings and the time saved in memory even without being plugged in so turn them off. This will save you €50 a year.

• Buy A rated appliances for your Home. This can be a huge saving of €150 annually on your electricity bill.

• Turn down your heating – by even 1 degree Celsius and it will save you  up to €150 per year of your money. A 10% percent saving.

• Buy energy efficient light bulbs (CFLs) instead of traditional bulbs – they use 1/5th energy and last up to 10 times as long. They will pay for themselves in under a year and from then on they are saving you on your electricity bill

• Attic Insulate – insulating your attic will keep the heat in your home for longer and pay for itself in 2-3 years.

• Fit a lagging jacket – lagging your hot water tank will keep the water hotter for longer and will have paid for itself in a few months.

• Don’t overfill your kettle – boil only as much water as you need.

• Fit thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to your radiators. They allow you to set the desired temperature in each room individually so rooms not in use can be set lower to save on your heating bills.

• Support renewable energy initiatives in your community.

• Walk or cycle to work instead of driving - it costs nothing and it’s healthy for you.

• Use the clothesline when possible – Tumble dryers use a lot of energy.

• Buy Local Produce – A considerable amount of energy is consumed transporting produce around the globe, reduce this by sourcing food form a local farmers market and also help the local economy.

• Fit Aerator taps – restrict the flow of water from the tap without reducing water pressure. The less hot water you use, the less hot water you need to heat.

If you have another energy conservation tip that you think should be on the list leave a comment below and I’ll add it on there.

SavingEnergy.ie