DIY energy saving tips:

• Changing your light bulbs to the energy saving bulbs (CFL bulbs) alone will halve the lighting portion of your electricity bill. Spots are particularly heavy users and dimmable CFL bulbs are now available that can simply replace the original type. Of course switching off lights that are not being used will help even more
• Switching electronic appliances off instead of onto standby saves a further 20% on electricity. You even get extension leads that will switch off all appliances on it via a remote control with one click.
• Installing simple movement sensors that have settings for duration, light levels and sensitivity are effective and energy efficient for external lights.
• Need a light on all night? LED plug in type night-lights are available that use hardly any electricity at all.
• Draughty house? Feel around the edges of windows, doors and their frames. Either the doors and windows do not have draught stripping or the external weather seal between the frame and the wall is broken allowing air through. Applying either of these is easily done.
• Never block up all the wall vents in the house, permanently. Fresh air is vital for good health. This is especially important when having open fires, using gas or if the house has not been Radon proofed. Flexible control over when and where fresh air comes in is the key to comfort and health.
• Do not remove the lagging jacket on the hot water cylinder to dry the clothes. Heating up the hot water uses a lot of electricity and keeping this water hot is the key to lower fuel bills. Rather use clothes horses in front of radiators. Replacing or doubling up on a lagging jacket can only help reduce bills.
• An average bungalow built in the early 80’s will only have 100 – 150mm of fibre insulation between the ceiling rafters and often with large gaps everywhere. First fill any gaps, whilst leaving a 50mm gap at the eaves for loft air circulation. Also, do not insulate under the cold water storage tank as this may cause the water in the tank to freeze. Either insulate flush up to the tank or even better would be to build a lightweight timber frame with a lid around the tank and insulate these as well. Be careful with spotlight mechanisms as they get hot and should not be in direct contact with many insulation types. These need to be separated. If buying fibre insulation, go for the 150mm thick roll as it is often the same price as 100mm and you get a better insulation. Lay the new insulation across the rafters, keeping the 50mm air gap at the eaves. Do not compress fibre insulation by placing boards etc on top of it as this pushes out the insulating air pockets.

DISCLAIMER: Always take care with any DIY project and follow necessary safety precautions. If you are not fully capable or specifically trained, get someone who is. Ecodev does not take any responsibility for loss or damage to persons or property as a result of any works undertaken as a result of this article.

These are only some of the improvements that can be made to improve the efficiency of your home. Contact us to find out how you can take this to the next level or have a look at the various Ecodev energy services available.

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