Although I know money is tight and your thinking how am I going to save money if I purchase all these items? Buying energy efficient products ends up saving you money in the long run. I’m not talking about thousands of euros here, just small investments on appliances you use everyday, ones that you plug in for electricity 365 days of the year. Look at appliances your family uses the most in the home and ask yourself if they can be utilized more efficiently. There are basic essentials that are switched on more frequently than others.
A packet of Radiator Reflectors.
I would recommend the radiator reflectors for your first purchase before winter. One packet will usually cover about 2 or 3 radiators depending on their size and reduces wasted heat. I put mine in the bedrooms and living room/tv first. The kitchen usually gets warm enough by itself with the heat from the cooker so there’s no need for one there really. These are available online at the ESB shop in Ireland
Energy Efficient Kettle
A kettle is probably used 365 days of the year, and how many times would you turn on the kettle in one day? It's definitely an item you can use more cost-effectively and a green investment in an eco friendly kettle is worth it. Our old eco kettle broke down recently, so we got a new Philips energy efficient kettle which i think is good value for money at amazon UK for £22 (not including shipping) and around $36 amazon US (not including shipping). It might be available in your local hardware or those big DIY superstore chains so you can check the spec's online and bring them with you.
INSULADD
Keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.Add Insuladd to your paint and expect up to 20% energy saving costs.This is handy, especially if you haven't the schillings for cavity wall filler. It's very safe and non-toxic, developed in association with NASA Technology. A cheap and effective way to add an extra thermal barrier to your walls. I think I saw this was available in a few hardware shops if not Nigels Eco Store have it.
Drier Balls/Dry Cubes
Pop these into your tumble drier with your laundry on those rainy days and it speeds up drying time. They are widely available in most large supermarket stores: Dunnes stores, Tesco, Lidl price range €10-12.
Mobile Phone Solar charger
Solar Phone Chargers keep your phone topped up on juice. The green, travel buddy does all the work for you, so you're never left with a low battery again. Ideal for when your at the beach, a music festival, on your window ledge or on your way to work. Pop on your car's dashboard, take it out on the bus or tram. This neat green gadget is available for around $29 (not including shipping) at amazon US and a similar on for £20 (plus approx. £4 shipping) at amazon UK.
I find they really do make a difference to the overall annual expenditure, given the lifespan and frequency of use these items have. I usually wait until something breaks down (like our washing machine, vaccum cleaner, wood burning stove.) and then look at buying eco friendly upgrades. If you stick to eco-habits and commit effort everyday for a month even without spending any money on new items, you'll probably see the savings manifest in your next months electricity bill. For more nifty green gadgets you can pop onto Nigels Eco Store
See Related Posts: Radiator Booster Electricity Display Monitors Ready Made, Window Glaze Water Pebble
No comments:
Post a Comment