In a world where technology is continuously evolving, hundreds of new devices are introduced every year, each of which promised to make our lives just that little more straightforward. However, did you know that our love for gadgets has meant that UK homes collectively use around £3.4 billion worth of electricity alone each year?
While the thought of future technological possibilities is exciting, it does mean that our environment continues to be significantly impacted, making it ever so important to be mindful of the efficiency of your new investments. Opting for energy efficient products over their alternatives allows you to still enjoy the digital age while playing your role in stopping global warming.
Improve Your Home Efficiency With These Energy Saving Products
Living in the UK means that we are no stranger to the growing issues of global warming and climate change. We’re all actively encouraged to make even the smallest lifestyle changes to improve our efficiency and lower our environmental impact. To help with this mission, ‘greener’ solutions have become more accessible than ever, particularly when it comes to reducing our carbon footprint at home.
If you are yet to begin making eco-friendly updates to your home and daily life, it’s never too late to start. Take a look at our guide to energy saving technology for the essential devices needed to make the first steps towards a brighter future!
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Why Invest In Energy Saving Solutions?
There are hundreds of simple lifestyle changes you can make to lower your impact on the environment, but getting into this new routine can take time. Energy saving products, on the other hand, allow you to take a more eco approach to your typical household activities without even realising, making it an excellent place to start!
But why should you invest in the first place? First and foremost, we are running dangerously low on fossil fuels and can no longer meet the predicted future demands. In fact, it is thought that as of 2015, we only had 51 years worth of oil left, along with 53 years of natural gas and 114 years of coal. For this reason, we must begin reducing how much energy we use and waste while also using more sustainable, renewable alternatives. Together, this will not only preserve our supply but also limit how much fossil fuels are burnt, which remains one of the leading direct contributors to global warming.
Although working towards improving the condition of the environment should always be at the forefront of your decision to become more efficient, you will also be pleased to know that energy saving solutions help to save money. For example, switching to more efficient lighting across your home can save at least £100 every year! Take a look at The Green Age for 100 more ways that you can save energy and, as a result, a few extra pounds.
What Is The Best Energy Saving Technology?
With so many types of energy saving technology available, it can be tricky to know where to start. Our ideas listed below are the key devices that can be added to your home to help you to manage energy and minimise wasted power. Through implementing these, you will start to see a difference in your usage and, from here, can move onto bigger investments.
- Smart Power Strips
- Energy Monitor
- Programmable Thermostat
- Smart Thermostat
- Smart Lighting
- Eco Showerhead
- Energy Efficient Appliances
- Solar Chargers
1. Smart Power Strips
When getting ready for bed in the evening, do you go through each item plugged into the mains and ensure that the socket is turned off? If the answer is no, then you’re not alone. Televisions, computers and games consoles are just some of the many electronics that are commonly left on standby when not in use.
Although placing items on standby is a more efficient option than leaving them switched on, it doesn’t mean that you are longer using energy. It is thought that leaving sockets switched on when not in use can add an extra 10% to your total energy bill. To cut your usage, consider investing in a smart power strip.
A smart power strip has the same appearance as its conventional alternative but is designed to control power. They sense when devices are plugged in, yet not in use, and cut off the power, avoiding wasted energy. For details on the best power strips of the year, take a look at Best Reviews Guide.
2. Energy Monitor
If you are hoping to reduce the carbon footprint of your home, investing in an energy monitor is a fantastic place to start. An energy monitor cleverly calculates the running cost of all household appliances, along with lighting, to give you a full report of your spendings. Energy monitors aim to show you precisely where you are wasting valuable energy, so you can then decipher where you need to make lifestyle changes. Opting to install a monitor can save you up to 15% on your gas and electricity bills.
When considering installing an energy monitor, keep in mind that many energy suppliers provide a free monitor when you sign up with them, including here at Ampower. Once you have switched to one of our home energy plans, we will arrange the installation at a time convenient for you, allowing you to take complete control of your usage. For more information on switching to our home electricity and gas plans, why not request a quote?
3. Programmable Thermostat
While we are all no strangers to programmable thermostats, they are an excellent addition to every home. They will always land a spot on any guide to the best energy-saving technology.
A programmable thermostat allows homeowners to have full control over the temperature of their property. All heating and cooling equipment can be tailored to you, programmed to switch on and off based on a pre-set schedule. For example, in the winter, heating can be scheduled to begin warming up half an hour before arriving home from work. You can come back after a long day to a cosy home, ready to relax for the evening.
Using a programmable thermostat is ideal for lowering your energy usage, as your boiler will only be used when necessary. Schedules can be altered based on season to ensure that no energy is wasted and your home can maintain a steady, comfortable temperature. More information on the benefits of installing a programmable thermostat can be found on Compact Appliance.
4. Smart Thermostat
For those who already have a programmable thermostat and want to take their efficiency one step further, we highly recommend a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats come alongside all of the same benefits as their programmable alternatives, but they are instead controlled via a smartphone app. Your thermostat is connected to your home’s Wi-Fi, allowing you to adjust the temperature at any time from anywhere.
By far, the most popular smart thermostat is by Nest. Nest are leaders in the world of smart home devices, and through the thermostat alone, you can control up to 60% of your energy bills. Not only this, but the app also has an Energy History feature which reports how much energy you have used each day, so you can track where to make changes.
5. Smart Lighting
For many years, homeowners have been encouraged to transition to LED lighting as opposed to traditional bulbs. Not only are LED alternatives 80% more efficient, but they also last up to 100,000 operating hours more than incandescent lighting. Assuming that you use each LED bulb for ten hours per day, your annual running cost will be just £2.78.
Now that almost all homeowners have opted for equipping their home with LED lightbulbs, products have started to innovate, incorporating various technological features. For example, IKEA’s Trådfri bulbs can now be purchased with additional equipment such as a remote control and smartphone hub. The smartphone hub connects to your device, allowing you to control each light source and create customised settings.
6. Eco Showerhead
According to On Average, the average persons showering length is 8 minutes. While this may not seem like a long time, this typically uses around 2.1 gallons of water per minute, totalling a considerable amount of energy usage. Based on these figures, the use of eco showerheads continues to grow in popularity.
Eco showerheads allow you to enjoy an equally as strong stream as a conventional shower but using less water. Ranges from Ecocamel, in particular, integrate air core technology to limit water usage. When switched on, high-pressure air is forced into the water stream, which causes turbulence. The combination of increased pressure and turbulence makes it feel as if you are under a conventional shower but using hardly any water. A flow regulator is also built-in, ensuring that the water flow is limited to only 8-litres per minute. Compared to the 2.1 gallons per minute of a traditional shower, 8 litres converts to just 1.8 gallons – a saving of almost a half!
7. Energy Efficient Appliances
When your old, outdated appliances start to break down, what factors are most important to you when looking for replacements? And is their energy rating one of the points you consider? If the answer is no, your new mission should now be to check the energy label before investing.
All new appliances are now tested before being put on the market and, from here, given an energy label. The energy label will range from A to G, with A being the most efficient and G being the least. At the bottom of the label, you will find information on energy consumption, and the lower the number, the less power the appliance will need. These labels are crucial in helping you to decide which appliance will prove the most energy efficient and, as a result, reduce both your bills and carbon footprint.
There are now tones of everyday appliances with excellent energy ratings from fridges and freezers to dishwashers, washing machines and tumble dryers. These are essential not only to consider when replacing appliances in your home but also in the workplace, helping you to take control of your business electricity usage.
8. Solar Chargers
While charging a single mobile phone will not use a huge chunk of energy, when multiplied by the number of devices in your home, this can quickly begin to accumulate.
Using solar chargers is a super easy, eco-friendly lifestyle change, which not only helps to save the environment but is also convenient. Solar chargers allow you to charge your USB devices, regardless of your location, without any need for a mains power supply or battery pack. All you will need to do is ensure that the solar panels fitted to your charger are facing the light. The solar energy is then used to supply electricity to the battery of the charger, and you’re good to go!
If you’re on the hunt for a reliable solar charger with great reviews, take a look at Independent’s guide to the nine best on the market!
Technology Designed To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint!
Playing a role in saving the planet needn’t be a tricky task. You would be surprised how even the smallest of lifestyle changes can impact your efficiency. Spend time determining where you are wasting energy and areas that can be improved, so you can create a plan that is tailored to your home.
If you notice an unusual spike in energy bills, then you would most definitely benefit from delving deeper into your electricity and gas supply, as you are likely to benefit from switching providers. We provide both home and business gas plans and electricity supply, so do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss your requirements.