Spring 'green' your home to save money & energy!
We’ve officially stepped into Spring, so now is the perfect time to give your home and garden a ‘Spring Green’ makeover! Following months of winter hibernation and expensive bills, VPhase has compiled the top ten most cost-effective and eco friendly ‘Spring Green’ tips to help your wallet and the environment!
1. Domestic Voltage Optimisation
Save energy, cut CO2 emissions and reduce your electricity bills by between 6% and 12% by installing a VPhase voltage optimisation device. This ‘fit, forget and save’ eco device ensures your household appliances use less electricity and cost less to run - all without you needing to change your lifestyle or supplier. VPhase costs £299 (including VAT + installation) when purchased through Eaga, or you can contact your local electrician to install the device. To see how much you could be saving with voltage optimisation visit vphase.co.uk
2. Invest in a water butt
Conserve water and reduce your carbon footprint by using a water butt to collect rainwater. This will provide you with all the water you need to keep your garden and houseplants looking lush and colourful during the drier months. Did you know…? The roof of an average UK house collects tens of thousands of litres of water each year. *
3. Dry your clothes outside
By utilising your washing lines instead of opting for the tumble dryer, you can save an average of £15 a year on your electricity bills and 65kg of CO2. Did you know…? If everyone in the UK dried their clothes outside, it would collectively save around £180 million a year. *
4. Eco-friendly cleaning
Most conventional cleaning products contain harmful, toxic ingredients such as chlorine, bleach and artificial fragrances. Switch to eco-cleaners to give your rooms that added spruce, without any harsh chemical fumes or residues. Top tip: Save money and the environment using white vinegar on mirrors, windows and glass for that extra-added sparkle!
5. Defrost your freezer
An icy freezer makes it work harder and use more electricity, so regularly defrosting your freezer can keep it running at maximum efficiency. Did you know…? UK households use around £2 billion worth of electricity every year on cooling and freezing food and drink. *
6. Avoid paper towels
Rummage through your wardrobe for old t-shirts or use micro-fibre cloths instead of paper towels when cleaning. Paper towels are expensive, rely on natural resources and constantly need disposing of and re-stocking. Save money and CO2 by switching to a more eco-alternative.
7. Check your thermostat
Check that your hot water thermostat is at 60°C. Any higher is a waste of energy and requires cold water to cool it down. This will help you save CO2 and cut your water heating bills. Did you know…? Heating and hot water accounts for around 60% of your average fuel bill. *
8. Light up your lawn with solar lights
Investing in solar lights for your garden is an efficient way of saving cash and energy, as they do not use any electricity. Outdoor solar lights are self-sufficient, easy to install and can be set to come on/off each day – so you don’t have to remember!
9. Make your own compost
The best time to make your own compost is in Spring because it will rot-down faster over Summer months. It’s easy to do, costs nothing and will help your garden no end! Your recycled garden and kitchen waste is a great soil conditioner and plant food. Top tip: Ask your neighbour for any unused lawn clippings and use them in your compost heap!
10. Grow your own!
Growing your own fruit and vegetables can help reduce your carbon footprint and save you money from purchasing costly supermarket produce. It’s also a great outdoor activity to get the whole family involved!
* statistics from Energysavingtrust.org.uk
