While following the simple
tips will save money, to achieve the biggest saving a structured
and logical approach is best. The process I went through is shown
below. The individual stages are covered in more detail in the Project
Info pages and details of the savings in the Results pages.
Step 1:
Carry out a survey of electricity use in the whole house
Click here for more information.
Step 2:
Review the survey results to identify the simple zero
cost things that can be done Usually switching things off after user
or not leaving items on standby.
Step 3:
Implement the simple zero cost things that can be done
Checking to see the savings are as expected.
Step 4:
Review all the high usage items in the survey to look
for savings
Step 5:
Implement the savings identified in step 4 above in manageable
stages Start with the simple things such as fitting
time switches or low energy light bulbs. Checking to see
the savings are as expected.
Step 6:
Decide what to do about the
rest
Of the items left either decide there is noting that can be done, wait until
it needs replacing or investigate what is practical.
Step 7:
Repeat the process learning from
mistakes
Step 8:
Keep the information up to date
by carrying out a regular review to see what has changed
Between eighteen months and two years
seems about right.
To help work out the real savings or otherwise
of changes use EnCalcE as an electricity saving calculator. To find out if the savings
predicted are actually being achieved try using EnCalcEU a
calculator for checking and predicting electricity bills. Both
of these calculators are free for personal use.
Caution: Electricity can be
dangerous. Modifications to any electrical apparatus or wiring should
only be carried out by a competent person.
