Energy Saving Hacks

Whether you’re doing it for the environment, peace of mind, or for cost, these are some of the top energy saving/life hacks for you and your apartment.

Insulate Your Windows

Windows provide amazing views, and sunlight, however, when it is cold, they prevent warm air from staying in. If you properly insulate your windows you can preserve most natural heats inside your home. The best way to do this is to either use a draft stopper that you use for a door, or if you’re seriously ruining low on rations, stuff the windows seals with a rolled up towel. 

Air-dry your clothes

Yes, it can be a pain, but you want to be a better an energy saver, so there are sacrifices that have to be made. There are some very creative ways to air-dry your clothes, be it from excessive cob-web like washing lines running from wall to wall, or just purchase a drying rack.

If you MUST use a dryer, and I know what it is like to rely on the warm goodness, be sure to always remove the dryer lint, and make your dryer more efficient. Also, when you remove your clothes from the washing machine, give them a good rinse out and shake, making sure that you take as much excess water out of it the clothes as possible, thus giving the dryer a less of a work out. 

Adjusting your thermostat

Sometimes, by just decreasing the temperature on your thermostat by a degree, can save up to 15% on your heating bill a year. Yes, you may be adamant that 28 degrees is different to 27 degrees, but in the end get over yourself. Doesn’t matter who you are, or what your financial position is, 15% is a substantial amount to anyone. This is an easy and simple way to save both the environment and your back pocket some strain. Notably, smart-devices such as the NEST can turn your thermostat on at certain times or when it hits a certain degree, and also turn off when you leave home.

Keep your freezer jam-packed.

An odd tip, yes, but it is an efficient one too. If your freezer is packed, then you are limiting the amount of empty space in the freezer, and utilising the amount of energy coming out of the freezer. No matter if there is one tray of ice-cubes, or every square-inch occupied by left overs, the energy output is exactly the same. Additionally, when you open the freezer door, the less empty space, the less unoccupied air there is, therefore cold air won’t escape, and the freezer won’t have to use more energy to get that back. If you are finding that you are not using your freezer enough to fill it to the brim, then pack your freezer with ice packs to fill the space.

We would suggest you to use fluorescent lighting, but 90% of the time, they 1) look hideous, and 2) make you look hideous - we can’t have the beautifully furnished apartment looking bad, but that is a judgement call, but it is one I am willing to make.