2. Six Smart Products that will cut your energy bill
Introduction
Spot Thermometer
Insulation
Appliances
LED Light Bulbs
The Pay off
Programmable Thermostat
Drought Excluder & Vent Covers
Resources
Resources
3. Introduction
With energy costs rising, it's important that we all go to
greater lengths to keep our homes cozy and dry as the cold
weather sets in. But help is at hand. There are a few simple
ways you can keep the cost of your energy bills down.
Photo by Moyan_Brenn on Flickr
5. Spot Thermometer
A spot or infrared thermometer can be much cheaper than shelling out for a
home energy audit. The purpose of this clever invention is to find any areas
of your home where air is escaping and whether you will require any
additional insulation.
The device itself is a kind of non-contact thermometer, meaning it has
the ability to measure temperature from a distance.
They are sometimes used by fire fighters to check for hot spots, and
also by kitchen supply manufacturing companies for research and
development purposes.
You can pick one up from any hardware shop like B&Q, and they are
easy to use. You just aim the gadget at the wall or ceiling to look for
cold patches. It's relatively inexpensive too - you can pick one up for
about £20-£30.
6. Insulation
Ensuring your home is properly insulated is the most effective method of
cutting down your energy bill. After detecting any air holes using your spot
thermometer, take measures to insulate your home in every way possible.
Try using insulating foam sealant to fill any cracks or holes - it is water
resistant and makes the gap instantly airtight.
Alternatively, use insulating foam to keep out draughts and larger
spaces which could be letting the cold air in.
You can even buy fibre glass free brands which are made from old
recycled cotton and other fabrics, so you don’t need to wear a mask or
gloves.
7. LED Light Bulbs
Fitting LED light bulbs can be pricier to buy than regular incandescent bulbs
but they last much longer without being replaced and only burn 20 per cent
of the energy used by regular bulbs. Consider having them fitted in your home
to slash electricity bills significantly, especially if you are guilty of leaving the
house with your lights on.
Image by Pow(n,2)
9. Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is designed to adjust the temperature of your
home according to however you programme it to take effect at various times
throughout the day.
They are sometimes known as setback or clock thermostats and are
really easy to install.
These are the perfect little gadgets for anyone who often gets to work
in the morning and forgets that they have left the heating on.
You can programme it to come on an hour before you wake up,
meaning the house is warm whilst you get ready for work, then it will
cool down during the day when you're not in.
There are even some which can be controlled via the use of an iPhone
application, so you can change it as you like whilst on the move.
10. Draught excluders
Draught excluders are a cheap as chips way to keep out the draught from
underneath doors, whether it's keeping the heat inside the house, or stopping
the cold air from getting in.
You can buy them from most hardware shops or online. Alternatively, if you
are feeling creative, you can make your own.
Vent Covers
Invest in some magnetic vent covers to stop air from getting in via your air
conditioning system.
They are really cheap to buy and easy to use - just stick them down over the
vent to keep the heat in and stop any draughts from getting in.
11. Resources:
o Green Home Guide
o Energy Saving Trust
