Inflation can severely impact your finances, regardless of your income level. Here are some tips to help you keep your energy costs under control during times of inflation.
Unfortunately, inflation is something that affects all of us. Prices go up, and your purchasing power goes down. But that doesn't mean you have to let your costs spiral out of control. There are ways to keep your spending under control, even during times like these.
A big area that we cannot avoid but thankfully do have control over is our home energy costs. So here are a few tips to get you started. If you apply them, then over time, you will see a positive impact on your bottom line. Now that's something that we can all get behind.
Invest in energy-efficient appliances for your home
Home energy use is responsible for a significant amount of Ireland's energy consumption and associated carbon emissions. One way to help reduce these emissions is to invest in energy-efficient appliances for your home. Energy-efficient appliances use less energy to perform the same function as traditional, energy-intensive appliances. This means that they save you money on your energy bills and help reduce your home's carbon footprint. There are several ways to find energy-efficient appliances for your home. One option is to look for machines that have been certified by the European Commission's Eco-label scheme.
Eco-label certified appliances
Eco-label certified appliances must meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the European Commission. The Eco-label is voluntary, so not all manufacturers choose to have their products certified. However, many major appliance manufacturers participate in the scheme, so there is a wide range of energy-efficient appliances available today.
The European Product Database for Energy Labelling
The European Product Database for Energy Labelling (EPREL) is a new database now a legal requirement for suppliers of products covered by the EU Energy Labelling Regulations. This database will help increase consumer awareness of the energy efficiency of products available on the market in the EU. By accessing information about the energy efficiency of products, consumers will be able to make more informed choices about which products to purchase. Increasing consumer awareness will ultimately help improve the overall energy efficiency of products available on the market in the EU.
Washing machine and dishwasher
Most of us rely on washing machines and dishwashers to clean our clothes and dishes. But did you know that these appliances can also be energy hogs? Most of the energy used by a dishwasher or washing machine is for water heating. By running these appliances at a lower temperature setting, you can save on your energy costs. And be sure to fill them up before switching them on to avoid wasting water and energy.
Tumble Dryer
One way to be more energy efficient in the laundry room is to use a tumble dryer less often. When weather permits, take advantage of sunny days and dry your clothes on a clothesline or drying rack. Heavier items like jeans and towels will take longer to dry than lighter items like t-shirts and blouses, so keep them separate for more efficient drying. If you must use a dryer, make sure it is full but not overloaded so that your clothes have enough room to tumble and dry evenly.
Fridge / Freezer
There are a few things to keep in mind concerning your refrigerator and freezer when it comes to energy efficiency. First, try not to leave the door open for too long when getting food. Every 10-20 seconds, the door is available. It takes 45 minutes for the fridge to cool back down to its original temperature. Second, don't put warm or hot food straight into the refrigerator or freezer. The appliance will have to work extra hard - using more energy - to cool the food down. It's better to thaw food in the fridge ahead of time. Lastly, defrost the inside of your freezer every six months to help it run more efficiently. Following these tips will help you save energy - and money - in the long run.
Lightbulbs
One of the easiest ways to make your home more energy-efficient is to switch out your old light bulbs for new, energy-saving ones. CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) and LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are two types of energy-efficient light bulbs that use less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs. They also last longer, so you'll save money on replacement costs over time. When shopping for new light bulbs, look for the ENERGY STAR label to ensure that you're getting a genuinely energy-efficient product.
Boilers
When it comes to energy efficiency, appliances like boilers are often overlooked. Yet, making minor changes to the way we use our boilers can significantly impact both our energy bills and our carbon footprints. Having your boiler serviced once a year is a great way to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible. During the service, your plumber will check all of the different settings and advise you on using them correctly. They will also look for any signs of wear and tear, leading to energy loss. By taking these simple steps, we can make our boiler more efficient and help to reduce our energy consumption.
Kettle
Kettles are one of the most energy-intensive appliances in the home, so it's essential to use them wisely. Boiling a whole kettle for just one cup of tea is a waste of energy and money, so only boil as much water as you need. It's also essential to ensure that the element is completely covered with water. This will ensure that the kettle doesn't have to work hard to heat the water, making it more energy-efficient. By following these simple tips, you can save energy and money while still enjoying your favourite cup of tea.
Oven
One way to make your home more energy efficient is to be mindful of how you use your oven. For example, keeping the door shut helps trap heat inside so that the stove doesn't have to work as hard to maintain a consistent temperature. And being strategic about what you put in the oven can also help. Batch cooking items that can be frozen, for example, means that you can take them out and heat them as needed rather than starting from scratch each time you want a meal.
Hob
As energy costs continue to rise, many homeowners are looking for ways to cut down on their energy usage. One way to do this is to be more energy efficient when cooking. One simple tip is to cover your pots and pans with a lid. This helps keep the heat in, making your meal cook faster and saving energy in the process. Another energy-saving tip is to use the right-sized hob for your pan. Using a hob too large for your pan can be inefficient and waste energy. By matching the size of your hob to your pan, you can save energy and help reduce your monthly energy bill.
Hot Water and Showers
When it comes to taking a shower, there are two schools of thought: hot or cold? While a piping hot shower can be relaxing after a long day, it's not always the most energy-efficient way to get clean. A shower typically uses 20% of the energy compared to a full bath, so it's best to keep the bath as a treat if you're looking to save money on your electricity bill. That being said, there are still ways to make your shower more efficient. For example, investing in a low-flow showerhead can help save water and money, and shorter showers are always better than longer ones. So whether you prefer hot or cold, remember to be mindful of your water usage the next time you step into the shower.
Turn off those taps.
Most people are aware that they should turn the lights off to save energy when they leave a room, but did you know that leaving the tap running is an expensive mistake? Depending on the flow rate, a running tap can waste between 5 and 15 litres of water per minute. That adds up to over 3,000 litres of water per month! If it's your hot water tap that is running, you are wasting a lot of energy as the water heater works to maintain the water at a constant temperature.
Summary
So, what can you do to protect yourself from inflation? You can't control the overall inflation rate, but there are a few things you can do to mitigate its impact on your wallet. The most important is to be as energy-efficient as possible in your home. Using energy-efficient appliances and being diligent about using the energy you have available will help keep costs down.
Try to purchase goods and services produced locally when possible – this will help reduce the amount of fuel used in transportation and support your local economy. Finally, remember that even though it might seem like prices are going up everywhere, by making small changes in your behaviour, you can save money and lessen the burden of rising.
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