Energy efficient resolutions for the new year

01 January 2022

It's that time of year again. We’ve made it through 2021, and now it’s time to focus on our hopes and plans for 2022. And for some of us, that means making New Year's resolutions.

A YouGov survey showed that around a quarter of people in Britain make resolutions at the start of the year. If you’re one of them, while you work on putting together your list of goals related to work and personal growth, we’d like to suggest a new category. Why not add energy saving into the mix? We’ve put together some energy efficiency related New Year’s resolutions to help you stay on top of your energy bills, save money, reduce your carbon footprint and set you up for success in 2022. Sound interesting? Read on.

1. Make energy efficient upgrades at home

If there’s anything that the past two years have taught us, it’s that staying comfortable at home is important, and that this can play a big role in our overall health and well-being. During the height of the pandemic, and still in the present day, many of us are spending more time in our homes than ever before. In 2022, much like in previous years, our homes will likely still be doubling up as offices and classrooms, which is why this year is a good opportunity to make a few energy efficient upgrades to ensure your home sanctuary is as warm and comfy as you need it to be.

For ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency, check out our handy energy efficient home improvements guide to help you get started. We’ve got tips about insulating your home, upgrading your heating system, generating your own energy, plus a few DIY tasks you can tackle yourself.

You can also find out if you’re eligible for a home energy grant to help pay for things like loft and cavity wall insulation. In fact, to help homeowners make upgrades that they need over the winter, the government has introduced the Green Homes Grant. Under the Green Homes Grant scheme, homeowners and landlords in England can apply for vouchers worth up to two thirds of the cost of upgrading the energy efficiency of your home.

2. Use less

The philosophy of ‘using less’ is simple, yet powerful. By using less, we can minimise our impact on the planet and its resources. Just a few small actions by individuals, done collectively, can make a big difference. Using less doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your own comfort either, it’s just simply about being more mindful of your actions. A good place to start is in your home. Leaving the house to go to the supermarket? Switch off the lights before you leave. Not using that appliance plugged into the socket? Unplug it. How about washing your clothes in your washing machine at 30 degrees, and making sure it’s a full load when you run it? It’s better for the environment and uses 40% less electricity. It’s really that easy and simple.

Plus, using less electricity and making small energy saving behaviour changes at home will have a direct impact on your energy bills, helping you to save money.

Not sure where to start? We’re here to help. We’ve put together a list of helpful resources, including advice from trusted partners to support you in managing your usage and bills, and a whole host of easy-to-follow energy saving tips you can implement around your home:

5 ways to save energy at home
How to save energy in the kitchen
Energy saving tips to keep your home warm in winter

3. Invest in smart technology

Smart home technology is becoming increasingly popular around the house, and 2021 could be your year to join the 66.4 million Brits investing in smart devices to give them more control over their homes and their energy usage. There is an ever-growing number of smart home devices and appliances, ranging in price, available on the market; from consoles that control your entire house, to lights, fridges, TVs, kettles and heating appliances that can work independently. And as technology develops, so will the capability of these devices. What’s more, any property can be smart, whether you live in a small flat or a house.

Not only do these nifty devices offer great convenience and control at home, smart tech can help you save money and energy at home. Smart technology is crafting the homes of the future, today, and is certainly something to consider investing in this year. Find out more about smart homes and technology of the future.

4. Spread the word

Make your energy saving goals for 2022 a team effort, and champion them amongst your friends and family. Is using less electricity at home one of your resolutions? Get the whole family on board and tackle it as a team. You can monitor your progress together, set challenges for your household, and make it fun. You could even use your savings for a family outing or for something that will benefit you all.