It’s such a great thing that the world is becoming more eco-aware. With the news of just how much plastic is suffocating our oceans and how our carbon emissions are putting the world at risk. It’s startling to know that London reaches its whole year’s quota for air toxins in under one month this year! After all, it’s us and our children who must live here, and no one wants to live in an unclean, unhealthy, toxic environment.
If you’re anything like me, recycling your cans and plastics comes as second nature, and I do try to use the car less and walk more or even jump on a bus for journeys I could drive. But a lot of environmentally-friendly advice seems to fall on investing in new, greener appliances. While newer models often come with a range of eco-friendly elements, they can be expensive and not all of us can afford to replace our larger appliances just yet. We are certainly waiting until we have moved but that doesn’t mean you can’t do your part to help reduce carbon emissions and have an energy-efficient home or workplace.
I’ve teamed up with experts, Daikin, to find the best ways to transform your existing appliances into better, more efficient, greener versions of their old selves!
Stop the Night-Time Stand-By
A lot of us are guilty of leaving the TV on standby all night. Charging our phones overnight when they really don’t need that long. Games consoles left to hum away in the dark. If you’re looking to lower your bills and your carbon footprint, switch them off completely before you go to bed. We make such a conscious effort to do most of these now!
According to Energy Saving Trust, the average UK home spends £30 every year just on appliances left on standby. Spending £30 for something you’re not using isn’t good, and worse, it’s not good for the environment and can certaimly add up over the years. So, when you’re doing your check around the house that all the windows and doors are locked before going to bed, be sure to cast a quick eye to your plugs and devices and switch them off properly before heading to bed.
Save a Few Degrees
Your boiler should be ideally replaced every 15 years, but your old boiler can still do a better job of being eco-friendly with a few easy changes. Simply turn the thermostat down a few degrees and turn it off at night. You’ll sleep better if your body can cool down anyway, and a few degrees less during the day won’t make you uncomfortable. Just pop a hoodie on next time you reach to turn up the thermostat, as usually, this is enough to warm you up!
Fridge Coils
Like your boiler, fridges tend to last a while; around 10 to 20 years. But if your fridge is coming up for replacement, an eco-friendly model is definitely the way to go. But let’s focus on your current fridge; when was the last time you cleaned the coils? According to Architectural Digest, cleaning the coils of your fridge can encourage better energy use.
Your fridge’s coils are usually located on the bottom, the top, or the back of your appliance. Turn your fridge off before you start, and remove the base grill if the coils are on the top or bottom, or pull your fridge carefully out so you can see the coils at the back. With a refrigerator coil brush, you can brush out any dirt or debris that has gathered on the coils. Then, pop everything back in place.
Dryer Filter
Next, turn your attention to your tumble-dryer. The filters are meant to be cleaned after every use, but everyone has forgotten once or twice… or always like I do!
Clear out any lint that has gathered in the filter, then pour a little water on the filter screen to see if the water passes through. If it doesn’t and pools on top of the filter, your filter needs a thorough cleaning. Give it a good scrubbing in soapy, warm water, then rinse it off and try pouring a little water through again. If it still pools a little, repeat your soap-water attack on the filter!
Cold Water Clean
Your washing machine can be easily more environmentally sound by cooling down a little. Opt to wash your clothes on a cold wash setting for the following benefits beyond saving the planet you protect colour vibrancy, protect elastics, get better stain removal (warm water actually keeps the stain in!) and best of all, it’s money saving.
Eco-Dishwashers
Keep your dishwasher working hard; always wait for a full load before setting your dishwasher off. Also, be sure to have your full load placed efficiently in the dishwasher to fit in as much as possible without compromising on cleaning. I move the bits in my dishwasher around so many times to make sure I can fit as much as I can in!
Tree Hugger advises that, if your model has the option to, turn off its drying cycle and just let your dishes air dry. You can open the door at the end and leave them overnight to dry off.
AC Check
A good air-conditioning unit can provide effective relief from an overly-warm home. if you’re lucky enough to have one. But, like any other appliance, it needs a little TLC every now and again to keep it working effectively and prevent any overuse of energy. Greener Ideal recommends getting a professional out to inspect your air-conditioning unit to make sure it is still running efficiently and effectively. If your system is making any strange noises, best to give a professional a call.
There’s plenty of ways older appliances can still do their bit to be environmentally friendly! Take these tips on board and your home and workspace can be its greenest. When the time does come to replace your older appliances, be sure to keep in mind whether or not it is energy efficient. For example, if you’re looking to replace an old, noisy air conditioning unit, your main focus might be on a quiet model. But don’t neglect to check how eco-friendly it is!
I'm Squibb Vicious, better known as Haydy!
Happiest with a craft beer in hand, eating til my heart is content or exploring somewhere new.
Here you can read about my adventures!