Ahead of the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference[i] in Glasgow in November and the run up to the colder winter months, retirement rentals brand, My Future Living, is highlighting some easy ways retirees can become more energy efficient and make a contribution to climate change.
My Future Living offers good quality, affordable, assured tenancy retirement rental properties in later living communities across the UK. Chief Executive, Nygel Scourfield is encouraging people to make some small changes to not only save money and make their homes more energy efficient, but to help cut carbon emissions.
Nygel says, “Energy prices along with the climate change crisis and shortages of fuel at the petrol pumps are dominating the media headlines right now and for many older people on limited budgets it can be a worrying time.
“We’ve put together some tips to help people save on energy bills as well as doing their bit for the climate. Many of the residents in our rental properties have downsized and are already making savings by having fewer rooms to heat.
“These extra ideas could be useful as we move into winter and could add up to significant financial savings over the longer term.”
Install energy efficient lightbulbs – The technology has come a long way in recent years and something as simple as changing a lightbulb can make a big difference to the energy efficiency of your home. My Future Living uses different types of energy efficient bulbs including bulbs from Philips and Osram.
People can check the energy efficiency rating of the bulbs when they buy them to see how much of a difference they might make in their home. Some makes even come with lights around the switches so people can see when they’re on or off which is easier to see at night.
Cook with lids on pans – This is an easy way to reduce the amount of energy that is being used as it helps speed up cooking times.
Consider your fridge temperatures – Not having the fridge set too cold can reduce the amount of energy being lost through large appliances, but please be aware this can impact the shelf life of food so don’t turn down too much.
Turn off switches – Turning off switches and pulling plugs out that are not in use can all help save energy.
Break the standby habit – Energy switching service uswitch.com[ii] says some of the top electricity wasters include stereos, TVs, desktop computers, laptops, and printers and scanners. Switching them all off when not in use is advisable. Mobile phones too shouldn’t be left on charge all night.
Keep the oven doors open when you switch it off – This can help provide extra heat in your kitchen which would otherwise be wasted.
Invest in thick curtains – Most heat escapes through the windows so investing in thick curtains or blackout blinds can hep
Make the most of storage heater settings – Adjust the temperature setting to a comfortable room temperature and avoid having on the highest setting.
Consider switching gas and electricity tariffs if on a variable rate – Although currently switching has become more difficult due to issues in the energy sector, make a note to switch as soon as more deals become available.