Eco-proof your old appliances
It’s good to know that the world is becoming more aware of environmental issues. With reports of the effects of plastic on our oceans and how carbon emissions are impacting our cities (with London reaching its limit for air toxins in under a month in early 2018!) people seem to be taking pride in looking after the planet. After all, future generations have to deal with the effects, and no one wants to live in an unhealthy environment.
There are small things that people can do every day to help the environment, such as recycling, using the car less and walking or cycling more frequently. A lot of eco-tips seem to mention investing in new appliances that use less energy – whilst newer models do typically come with more eco-friendly features, it can be expensive to replace larger appliances. That doesn’t mean you can’t help, however – there are a number of ways to help reduce carbon emissions and make your home or workplace more energy-efficient.
With the help of commercial air conditioner experts, Daikin, we’ve assembled this handy guide to transforming your old appliances into more efficient, eco-friendly versions of themselves!
Unplug your gadgets
Leaving the TV on standby all night is something that all of us have been guilty of at one time or another. Similarly, many of us leave our phones on charge overnight when they don’t really need that long to reach full power. If you’re looking to lower your carbon footprint – and save on your energy bills in the process – you should remember to switch devices off completely before heading to bed. The Energy Saving Trust outlines that the average household in the UK spends an extra £30 each year just by leaving appliances on standby. £30 may not sound like a lot, but costs add up over time and if you’re trying to save money and be more eco-friendly, it isn’t ideal.
So, next time you do your night-time check over the house before going to bed, be sure to give your plugs and devices a quick glance to make sure they’re switched off properly.
Transform your boiler
Experts suggest that you should replace your boiler every 15 years, but you can still make your old boiler more eco-friendly with just a few changes. Turning down the thermostat by just a few degrees and turning it off at night can make a huge difference. You’ll also sleep better if your body has time to cool down, and a few degrees less during the daytime won’t be too noticeable. The next time you consider reaching for the thermostat, consider putting on an extra layer of clothing instead – this is usually enough to keep you warmed up.
Studies have shown that turning your thermostat down by just 1% can be hugely beneficial for your energy bills, saving you around 10%.
Clean your fridge coils
Fridges tend to have quite a long product lifespan - around 10 to 20 years. If your model is due for a replacement, however, an eco-friendly version is definitely a good choice.
If you’re sticking with your current fridge, you should consider cleaning the coils. Architectural Digest notes that cleaning your fridge coils regularly can lead to more efficient energy use over time. You’ll typically find your fridge’s coils on the top, bottom or back of the appliance. Before you get stared, turn off your fridge and remove the base grill (if the coils are on the top or bottom), or carefully pull your fridge out from the wall (if the coils are at the back).
Using a refrigerator coil brush, you can clean out any dirt and debris that has accumulated around the coils. Be sure to take care when moving the fridge and ask for help moving it if it’s too heavy.
Clean out your dryer filter
Tumble dryer filters are meant to be cleaner after each use, but it’s easy to forget once in a while. Clean out any lint that has gathered in the filter, then add water on the filter screen to see if it passes through it. If the water doesn’t pass through and instead pools on top of the filter, you need to clean it. Use warm, soapy water to give the filter a good scrub, then rinse it off and pour a small amount of water back through. If the water still pools, repeat the process.
Eco-friendly washing
Turning down the temperature of your wash can save you a significant amount on your energy bills and help the environment in the process. Opting to wash your clothes on a colder setting can have the following benefits:
- Protects the vibrancy of your colours
- Protects elastics
- More efficient stain removal
- Saves you money on your bills
Dishwasher tips
When it comes to your dishwasher, it’s a good idea to keep it working at full capacity; always wait until you have a full load of dishes before you start your machine. Also, ensure that you have your dishes placed as efficiently as possible in order to make the most of the space without compromising on the cleaning.
Tree Hugger recommends that you turn off your dishwasher during the drying cycle and let your dishes air dry, opening the door overnight to give them time to dry fully.
Check your AC
A good air-conditioning system can come in handy during the summer months. Like all appliances however, these units require a bit of TLC every now and then to ensure that they’re working efficiently and conserving as much energy as possible.
According to Greener Ideal, you should always get a professional to inspect your air-conditioning system to ensure that it’s running effectively. So, if you find your model making any strange noises, it’s best to call in a professional.
There are plenty of ways to make your old appliances more environmentally friendly. By following these easy tips, you can ensure that your home and workplace are at their greenest and best. When it is time to replace your old appliances, be sure to keep energy efficiency in mind. For example, if you have an old, noisy air-conditioning system, you might want to focus on finding a quieter model – but you should also check to see if it’s eco-friendly. With a good quality air conditioning system from a trusted supplier like Daikin, you can have both a quiet and environmentally friendly air conditioning unit.