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We're so excited to see the first signs of spring here in Cornwall!
With longer, sunnier days ahead, it's the perfect time to give your energy use a refresh and cut down on unnecessary costs.
Our Spring Clean Your Energy Use campaign is designed to help you make smart, sustainable changes that benefit both your wallet and the planet.
Here are some practical tips to make your energy use smarter at home:
Maximise Daylight Savings
With longer daylight hours, now is the ideal time to reduce reliance on artificial lighting. Instead of keeping lights on throughout the day, open blinds and curtains to let natural sunlight brighten your space.
Position desks or seating areas near windows to take full advantage of daylight, reducing the need for overhead lighting. Reflective surfaces, such as mirrors or light-coloured walls, can also help distribute natural light more effectively, making your space feel brighter without additional energy use. If you need lights, switch to LEDs - they use 90% less energy than traditional bulbs!
Simple changes like these can lead to noticeable savings on electricity bills.
Unplug the Power Drains
Many office and household appliances continue to consume power even when they appear to be off. Devices such as printers, monitors, coffee machines, and phone chargers still draw energy in standby mode, adding to your overall energy costs.
One easy way to combat this is by switching off appliances at the plug when not in use, or using smart plugs that cut off power automatically. Over time, reducing standby energy waste can lead to significant savings and a lower carbon footprint.
Cut Hot Water Costs
Water heating accounts for a substantial portion of energy use in both homes and businesses. A simple yet effective way to cut costs is by lowering your boiler temperature to 60°C. This setting is high enough to kill bacteria but prevents unnecessary energy waste.
Additionally, switching to shorter showers, using cold water for laundry cycles where possible, and insulating hot water pipes can further reduce your overall energy consumption.
If you already get yor electricity from solar panels, take things up a notch with a solar energy diverter connected to your immersion heater element, which will automatically convert surplus solar energy into hot water.
Use Your Fridge & Freezer Efficiently
Your fridge and freezer run 24/7, making them some of the most energy-intensive appliances in your home. To keep them running efficiently, ensure your fridge is set between 3-5°C and your freezer at -18°C.
Overfilling your fridge can block airflow, making it work harder to keep food cool, while an empty freezer wastes energy trying to maintain its temperature.
A great energy-saving hack is to fill empty freezer space with ice packs or bottles of water to help it retain cold air more effectively. It's also a great time to give your fridge a clear out, ditch those ancient jars and give your friedge more room to work efficiently.
Shift Your Energy Use to Off-Peak Hours
Some energy tariffs charge lower rates at off-peak times, such as late at night or early in the morning. If your plan includes these cheaper rates, take advantage by running appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and EV chargers during these hours. This simple shift can lead to noticeable savings over time.
If you have solar panels, it's even better to use high-energy appliances during daylight hours when they can be powered by free solar electricity!
Make the Most of Cornwall’s Sunshine
Spring in Cornwall means more sunny days—so why not use the natural warmth and light to cut energy costs? Instead of using fans, open windows for ventilation.
Dry your laundry outside instead of using a tumble dryer, and consider batch-cooking meals to reduce the need for frequent oven use.
If you have solar panels, maximise your savings by scheduling energy-intensive tasks like charging your EV or running major appliances during peak sunlight hours.
Keep Heat In & Cold Out
Simple home improvements can help maintain warmth without increasing heating bills. Closing curtains at sunset can reduce heat loss by up to 15%, while using draught excluders, adding rugs, and keeping doors closed between rooms can help maintain a comfortable temperature without additional energy use.
These small adjustments help you stay cosy without relying too much on heating systems.
Cut Costs in the Kitchen
Your kitchen is one of the biggest energy-consuming areas in your home, but small tweaks can add up to big savings.
Avoid opening the oven door frequently while cooking, as this lets heat escape and forces the oven to work harder, and only fill the kettle with as much as you need. Using of an air fryer for smaller meals instead of heating up a full sized oven is a great way to save energy.
These simple habits, practiced consistently, can make a real difference in reducing energy waste and lowering your bills.
Save Energy at Work
To spring clean your energy use at work, start by encouraging employees to switch off lights, computers, and other electronics when not in use. Energy-efficient LED lighting and motion sensors can help to reduce unnecessary power usage. Heating and air con systems should be set to optimal temperatures and regularly maintained to ensure they're working efficiently.
Lastly, educating staff about energy-saving practices helps to develop a culture of sustainability, where everyone plays a role in reducing your workplace’s environmental footprint.
Future-Proof with Solar
With energy prices continuing to rise, now is the time to think about long-term solutions for reducing reliance on the grid. Investing in on-site solar generation can help stabilise energy costs, provide energy independence, and reduce exposure to price fluctuations. Businesses and homeowners with solar panels can also benefit from selling surplus electricity back to the grid, generating extra income while further offsetting energy costs.
As technology advances and battery storage becomes more accessible, solar power is becoming an increasingly practical and affordable solution for long-term savings and sustainability.
By implementing these small but impactful changes, you can spring clean your energy use and enjoy a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way of living. Whether you’re making simple adjustments or considering a bigger investment in solar energy, every step toward smarter energy use makes a difference.
Spring is the ideal time to invest in solar, helping you make the most of the longer, sunnier days all through summer. Our expert team of solar panel installers are here to make the switch a breeze - talk to us today to arrange your free quote, so you can make the most of free solar energy all summer long.
