Energy-saving Tips For Your Home

Saving energy is a clear win-win: you reduce your impact on the environment and significantly cut down your household expenses. At Polygon, we know that tackling energy waste doesn’t require complex, costly overhauls. By implementing a few straightforward changes around your home, you can achieve genuine savings without compromising on comfort.

Upgrade Your Lighting to LED Technology

Looking for the quickest, most effective, and budget-friendly way to reduce electricity consumption? The answer is simple: swap out those old, traditional lightbulbs for modern LEDs.

LED bulbs use less energy dramatically and boast an incredibly long lifespan. This simple switch generates double savings, lower monthly electricity bills and less money spent on frequent replacements.

Seal Leaks & Prioritise Insulation

Drafts and poor insulation are silent energy thieves. If you can feel a breeze or see gaps around windows, doors, or vents, your heated (or cooled) air is escaping.

• Draught-Proofing: Immediately address gaps and cracks using simple materials like weatherstripping or caulk.

• Insulation is Key: Don't neglect your attic and walls. Proper insulation creates a thermal barrier, stabilising your home's temperature and drastically reducing the dependency on your heating system in winter or cooling in summer. This investment pays significantly!

Think you have a hidden leak? Reach out for Non-destructive Leak Detection today! Find out more here

Adjust Your Boiler's Hot Water Temperature

While a long, hot soak is a luxury, heating large volumes of water is energy-intensive. While opting for a shower instead of a bath is generally a good water-saving practice, you can still optimise your hot water usage.

If you enjoy a bath, or just want to increase efficiency, reduce the water temperature setting on your boiler by a few degrees. You likely won't notice the difference in comfort, but your boiler will use substantially less energy to heat the water, resulting in lower utility bills.

Banish "Phantom" Power Drain

Electronics and small appliances consume electricity even when they are switched off or sitting idle on standby, a phenomenon often called "phantom load" or "vampire power." Don't let your gadgets secretly use  your electricity supply:

• Unplug Devices: When not in active use, manually unplug items like chargers, laptops, gaming consoles, and small kitchen appliances.

• Utilise Power Strips: Connect multiple devices to power strips equipped with an on/off switch. Flipping one switch allows you to disconnect several items simultaneously, eliminating standby power with ease. 

• The Obvious One: Make it a habit to turn off the lights every time you exit a room.

Install a Smart Meter

Many energy suppliers now provide and install smart meters for customers at no charge. These tools are invaluable for maintaining control over your consumption.

A smart meter provides real-time data on how much energy your home is using and what your estimated bill will be. This visibility empowers you to make smarter choices about usage patterns. If you haven't yet, contact your energy provider today to request installation.

Energy-saving doesn't have to be complex, expensive, or involve major lifestyle sacrifices. These simple adjustments will collectively reduce your energy consumption, lower your utility bills, and ensure you are doing your part to contribute to a more sustainable future.