6 Energy-saving tips from the Scone team

Lowering your thermostat by just 1 degree Celsius can help you save around 7% to 10% on your space heating expenses. If you go a step further and lower the thermostat by 2 degrees Celsius, you can save even more – approximately 14% to 20% on your heating costs!

Start by turning down your room thermostat by 1 degree Celsius. For example, if your usual setting is 21°C, try reducing it to a maximum of 20°C for the week.

To stay comfortable, switch to warmer clothing options like cosy sweaters, warm socks, and long pants instead of lighter indoor clothing like T-shirts.

Jan-Willem sets the right example by borrowing his 13-year-old daughter's slippers. But something less extravagant also does the trick. © Scone

Combating draughts in your home effectively reduces energy waste and saves money on heating bills. Draught-proofing techniques can help to prevent cold air from entering your home through gaps and cracks in doors, windows, and other areas.

Here are three ways to detect draughts:

• Flashlight test: Turn off all lights and use a flashlight near windows, doors, and other suspected areas. If light shines through, there's a draught.
• Candle test: Hold a candle near potential draught sites. If the flame flickers, it indicates a draught issue.
• Thermal detector: You can also invest in a thermal detector to accurately locate cold draughts by detecting temperature differences on wall surfaces.

After identifying sources of draughts, you can draught-proof your home. Here are some techniques that you can use:

• Install a draught brush on your door's letterbox.
• Use draught strips to seal gaps at doors and windows.
• Place a draught brush under your front door.

Ivor Kusters already identified that his letterbox could use an upgrade. © Scone

Why should you boil only the required amount of water for a perfect cup of tea? Boiling less water saves energy and reduces the time it takes to boil water, making your tea break quicker and more energy efficient.

Here's how you can do it: Next time you crave a steamy cup of tea, resist the urge to fill the kettle to the brim. Instead, add only the amount of water you need to brew the quantity of tea you want.

Additionally, you should consider the type of tea you're brewing. Many teas, such as green tea, are best brewed with water below the boiling temperature for optimal flavour. Check the packaging of your tea for specific recommendations.

If your kettle has no temperature setting, you can still manually switch it off just before it reaches boiling point, saving energy without compromising on taste.

By boiling only what you need and adjusting the temperature accordingly, you'll enjoy a delicious cup of tea and contribute to energy conservation in your daily routine.

Ulf takes it to the next level: “Drinking hot beverages with ginger and turmeric can help keep us warm and healthy during the cold season. We have started using thermos jugs to store hot water instead of continuously boiling the kettle to conserve energy.” And for the soul, something a little stronger than tea: “…and to be honest: Lagavulin stands below the counter…warming body and soul.”

Ulf drinks tea with ginger and turmeric to warm the body, and Lagavulin whisky to warm the soul © Scone

It's best to clear the space around your radiators. When furniture, such as sofas or chests of drawers, is placed directly against radiators, heat flow is obstructed into the room. As a result, you may spend more energy and money to heat the space. To optimise radiator performance and reduce energy waste, move furniture away from radiators by at least 30 centimetres. This creates a clear path for the heat to rise and circulate freely into the room, ensuring more efficient heating.

Another helpful tip to remember is to avoid hanging curtains over radiators, as this can prevent heat from effectively warming the room and causing it to dissipate outside. Opt for curtains that don't obstruct the radiator's heat output to maximise energy savings and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

That is precisely what Ivor did in his living room—well done, Ivor!

Ivor makes sure his curtains don't block his radiators © Scone

Bedrooms are mainly used for sleeping, so there is no need to keep them heated when not in use. By turning off the heat in bedrooms, you can save money on energy bills while also promoting better sleep quality.

If your bedroom is only used for sleeping, consider turning off the heating and using these cosy alternatives to stay warm:

• Invest in a warm duvet or comforter to keep you snug and comfortable during the night.
• Wear cosy pyjamas to provide additional warmth while you sleep.
• Use a hot water bottle to add extra heat to your bed before getting in.

Another tip is to use localised heating instead of turning on the central heating. For example, Erwin uses a small infrared heating panel in his office instead of heating the entire room. Jan-Willem does the same, but with his air purifier, which also has a heating setting. This targeted approach ensures comfort and warmth where needed while minimising energy usage and costs.

Erwin's infrared heating panel and Jan-Willem's air purifier © Scone

To keep your fridge and freezer running efficiently and your energy bills down, you can take the following simple steps:

• Dust off the dust bunnies: Regularly check the space around your fridge and freezer for dust build-up. Removing dust helps your appliances operate more efficiently, saving energy. A quick sweep with a broom or vacuum can make a big difference.
• Organise for efficiency: A well-organized fridge looks tidy and helps save on energy costs. Arrange items neatly so you can easily find what you need without leaving the fridge doors open too long. Remember, the less time the doors are open, the less energy is wasted.
• Consolidate freezer storage: If you have an extra freezer in your basement or garage, consider transferring the contents to your kitchen freezer and turning off the second one. Running multiple freezers can significantly increase electricity usage.

Erwin cleared out and turned off his second freezer. He now only uses it for special occasions, like Christmas, when more space is needed to store food.

Erwin's cleared out and turned off second freezer © Scone