Energy Saving Tips

Improve Insulation

Add thermal curtains or blinds

• Use thermal curtains or insulated blinds on windows
• This helps reduce heat loss in the winter and block heat in the summer.

Seal gaps 

• Check for drafts around doors, windows, and vents.
• Seal them with weather stripping or caulking.
• Remember to keep some ventilation for airflow:
  • Especially around gas storage and log burners.

Rugs and carpets

• Cover the floor with rugs or carpets to reduce heat loss:
  • Especially if the floor is not well-insulated.

Dehumidifiers

• Use disposable dehumidifiers to prevent damp and condensation.

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Use energy-efficient appliances

LED lighting

• Switch to LED lights,
  • They use a lot less energy than traditional bulbs.

Efficient cooking

• When possible, use energy-efficient appliances like:
  • A microwave, or slow cooker instead of a standard oven.
  • The wonderbag (or similar) is a slow cooker which uses no power.

12V appliances

• When possible, use 12-volt appliances:
  • Designed for caravans and mobile homes.

Cooler bags

• Use cooler bags instead of a fridge, for some items.

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Use natural resources

Maximise natural light

• Use daylight as much as possible.
• Set timers for lighting so they are only on when necessary.
• Reduce the need for artificial lighting.

Ventilation and shading

• In hot weather:
  • Ventilate in the morning or evening when it's cooler.
  • Keep windows closed during the day.
  • Use awnings or reflective sunshades to keep the place cool.

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Manage heating and cooling

Efficient heating

• If you use coal:
  • Please be aware of any rules around burning coal in your area.
  • You could use a propane heater that is more fuel-efficient.

Layer clothing

• In colder months:
• Dress in layers.
• Use thermal blankets to reduce the need for heating.

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Solar power solutions

Portable solar panels

• Consider installing portable solar panels to make:
  • Renewable energy for lighting.
  • Small appliances.
  • Charging batteries.

Solar chargers

• You can get small solar-powered chargers for:
  • Phones, tablets, and other small devices.
  • To reduce the load on your main battery or generator.

Solar powered shower bag

• In the summer:
  • Consider using a solar powered shower bag.
  • Save using water heaters.

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Battery and power management

Use low-power mode

• Set appliances like fridges or freezers to a low-power mode.
• Avoid keeping them fully stocked.
• This can increase energy consumption.

Energy-efficient batteries

• Use efficient deep-cycle batteries:
  • They can hold a charge for longer periods
  • Reducing the need to recharge frequently.

Power inverter

• If you use an inverter for 240V appliances:
  • Make sure it's energy-efficient.
  • Only use it when necessary, as inverters can waste energy.

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Water heating and usage

Heat water sparingly

•  Only heat as much water as you need.
• Use flasks:
  • Boil the kettle once.
  • Put the rest of the water in a flask to keep it warm.

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Cooking and laundry

Cook in bulk

• When using appliances like an oven or hob:
  • Cook larger meals at once.
  • Reheat portions using a microwave.

Cold water laundry

• Wash clothes in cooler water.
• Try to use drying racks or lines instead of an electric dryer.

Efficient cooking

• Use energy-efficient cooking devices. 

Improve insulation

Seal gaps 

• Check for drafts around doors, windows, and vents.
• Seal them with weather stripping or caulking.

Attic and wall insulation

• Make sure your attic and walls are:
  • Well-insulated to maintain the right temperature.

Double-glazing windows

• If possible, install double or triple-glazed windows:
  • To minimize heat loss during winter.
  • And reduce heat gain in the summer.

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Improve heating and cooling

Programmable thermostat

• Use one to automatically lower heating or cooling when:
  • You're asleep or away from home.
• To save energy in winter and higher in the summer:
  • Set the temperature on the thermostat a few degrees lower.

Zone heating/cooling

• Only heat or cool the rooms you are using.
• Close doors to rooms that are not in use.

Turn radiators down

• Turn down to the lowest setting when not using.
• Do not turn it off as:
  • It uses more energy to get the radiator back up to temperature.
  • May create issues with mould.

Bleed radiators

• This will reduce the pressure in your radiator.
• Help them heat more efficiently.

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Energy-efficient appliances

Upgrade to Energy Star appliances

• Replace old appliances with:
  • Energy-efficient models that have the Energy Star label.
• This applies to refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and more.

Use smart power strips

• Plug appliances into smart power strips that:
  • Automatically shut off power when devices are not in use.

Unplug electronics

• When they’re not in use unplug:
  • Chargers, TVs, and gaming consoles.
  • As they still draw power in standby mode.

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Lighting efficiency

Switch to LED bulbs

• They use a lot less energy than traditional light bulbs.
• And last much longer.

Use natural light

• Increase daylight by opening curtains and blinds:
  • To reduce the need for artificial lighting.
• Install dimmer switches to adjust lighting levels.
• And motion sensors in less-used rooms:
  • Like hallways or bathrooms to automatically turn off lights.

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Water heating and conservation

Lower water heater temperature

• Set your water heater to 60°C to
  • Reduce energy use.

Install low-flow fixtures

• Use low-flow showerheads and faucets to:
  • Reduce hot water use.

Insulate water heater and pipes

• Wrap your water heater and exposed pipes with:
  • insulation to reduce heat loss and improve efficiency.

Using less water

• To reduce the amount of hot water needed:
  • Take shorter showers.
  • Wash clothes in cold water.

Use flasks

• Boil the kettle once.
• Put the rest of the water in a flask to keep it warm.

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Laundry and dishwashing

Full loads only

• Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full.

Air-dry clothes

• Use a drying rack or clothesline instead of a dryer when possible.
• When using a dryer, clean the lint filter after each use to maintain efficiency.

Energy-saving modes

• Use the energy-saving settings on dishwashers and washing machines.

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Refrigeration and freezer tips

Optimal temperature settings

• Keep the refrigerator between 1.5-3°C.
• Keep the freezer at -18°C to maintain efficiency without overcooling.

Keep fridge full

• A full fridge retains cold better than an empty one.
• But don’t overfill it, as this can block airflow.

Defrost freezer regularly

• Frost build-up can reduce efficiency.
• So defrost the freezer when necessary.

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Solar and renewable energy

Install solar panels

• If possible, install solar panels to:
  • Generate renewable energy for your home.
  • Significantly reduce your electricity bill.
  • There are sometimes grants available for these.

Solar water heater

• Consider installing a solar water heater to:
  • Reduce energy consumption for heating water.

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Smart home technology

Smart thermostats

• Use smart thermostats to:
  • Automatically adjust heating and cooling.
  • Based on your schedule.
  • Ensuring energy is not wasted when you’re not home.

Smart plugs

• Use smart plugs to:
  • Control devices and appliances remotely.
  • Turn them off when not needed or plan their usage.

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Outdoor energy savings

Energy-efficient landscaping

• Plant trees or shrubs around your house to:
  • Provide shade in the summer.
  • Act as a windbreak in the winter.
  • Reduce the need for heating and cooling.

Solar outdoor lighting

• Use solar-powered lights for your:
  • Garden, pathway, or porch.
  • To stop the need for electrical lighting outdoors.

Maximize insulation

Seal drafts

• Use weather stripping or sealant to close:
  • Any gaps around hatches, windows, or doors to prevent air leaks.

Curtains and window covers

• Install thermal curtains or insulated covers for windows to
  • Retain heat during cooler months.
  • block heat during summer.

Ventilation

• Use vents or fans for proper airflow
  • To manage humidity.
  • Prevent condensation.

Dehumidifiers

• Use disposable dehumidifiers to prevent damp and condensation.

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Efficient lighting

LED lighting

• Switch to LED bulbs throughout the boat.
• They use a lot less energy than traditional light bulbs.
• And have a longer lifespan.

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Solar energy

Solar panels

• Install solar panels for:
  • Charging batteries.
  • Running small appliances.

Solar powered shower bag

• Consider using a solar powered shower bag in the summer to:
  • Save running the engine.

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Appliance efficiency

Turn off appliances

• Unplug or switch off appliances and devices when:
  • They are not in use.
  • Especially those with standby modes that still consume power.

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Cooking and food storage

Efficient cooking

• Use energy-efficient cooking devices.
  • For example, a wonderbag is a slow cooker which uses no power.

Use flasks

• Boil the kettle once.
• Put the rest of the water in a flask to keep it warm.

Fridge efficiency

• Set your fridge and freezer to the optimal temperature:
  • Around 3°C for the fridge and -18°C for the freezer.
• Keep the fridge full but not overcrowded to maintain efficiency.

Cooler bags

• Instead of using a fridge:
  • You may be able to use cooler bags for some items.

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Battery and power management

Use deep-cycle marine batteries

• Invest in deep-cycle marine batteries that:
  • Store energy more efficiently and last longer.
  • Helping you rely less on engine power or generators.

Monitor battery use

• Install a battery monitor to:
  • Track energy usage.
  • Ensure you're using power efficiently.
• Aim to maintain your batteries within the optimal charge range to
  • Extend their life and reduce the need for recharging.

Inverter use

• Use an inverter to convert 12V power to 240V/110V sparingly.
• Inverters can waste energy, so try to minimize their use.

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Efficient heating and cooling

Natural ventilation

• Make use of natural ventilation by:
  • Opening windows, hatches, and vents to promote airflow .

Minimise heater use

• In cold weather:
  • Dress in layers.
  • Use blankets or sleeping bags.
  • To minimize the use of heating systems.

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Efficient motoring.

Running the engine when stationary

• Use the engine at optimal efficiency:
  • Usually around 70-80% of maximum RPM.
  • To reduce fuel consumption and wear.

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Laundry

Hand-wash clothes

• Instead of relying on a washing machine:
  • Wash clothes by hand when possible.
  • And dry them on deck.

Cold water wash

• If you do use a washing machine, opt for cold water settings to:
  • Reduce energy consumption.

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Timers

• Use timers to control when:
  • Certain devices, such as lights or water heaters are on.
  • This prevents leaving them on longer than necessary.