Do you live in the countryside, want to save on your energy bill, but don't really see a major investment in sustainability? With a few simple adjustments you can also achieve a lot. We'd like to give you a few inspiring tips to save on your energy bill.
Insulating window coverings
With summer just around the corner, the sun is gaining strength. Sun shining through the window can heat up a room considerably, especially if it's already warm outside. Sun-blocking window coverings keep the bright sun out, but still let light through. So you won't be sitting in the dark with the curtains closed. A good example is net curtains. You can combine these with, for example, a blackout roller blind, so that in the evening you won't be bothered by intrusive light from, say, a streetlamp in front of the window.
A curtain made of thicker fabric also blocks the sun well and has an insulating effect. Would you rather have pleated blinds? Then choose a variant with two layers of fabric. The air pockets between the two layers also have an insulating effect.
So there are plenty of window covering options to insulate every room in your home well.
Ice in front of the fan
Do you still turn on the fan? Then place a bottle of frozen water in front of it. The fan moves the cold air from the bottle, so it can be set one notch lower. Do place a tray under the bottle. The ice will melt, which can create a puddle of water.
Keep a blanket handy
Is it still a bit chilly in the room in the evening? Especially if you sit still for a long time, for example while reading a book or watching a film, it can feel colder. Put a blanket over the sofa that you can snuggle under when it gets colder, so you don't have to turn on the heating. Putting on a thicker jumper is also an option. With blankets under the sofa or chairs, you can also vary the interior. Choose, for example, brightly coloured blankets or a blanket with a nice pattern.
Is it cold in the kitchen and have you just used the oven? Open the cooling oven. The warm air will heat the kitchen.
Full
Full appliances generally work more efficiently. A full washing machine is more efficient than two half-full washing machines. So wait until the machine is full before doing the laundry. Is the laundry not very dirty? Then choose a lower wash temperature. Some washing machines also have an eco programme or economy mode that saves water and electricity. Do you only have a few dishes? Then wash them by hand instead of using the dishwasher. Keep your fridge full. A full fridge stays at a better temperature.
