Energy Saving Tips

Improve Insulation

• Add Thermal Curtains or Blinds: Use thermal curtains or insulated blinds on windows to reduce heat loss in the winter and block heat in the summer.
• Seal Gaps: Inspect for drafts around doors, windows, and vents, and seal them with weather stripping or caulking. But remember to keep some ventilation for airflow, especially around gas storage and log burners.
• Rugs and Carpets: Cover the floor with rugs or carpets to reduce heat loss, especially if the floor is not well-insulated.
• Dehumidifiers: If needed, use disposable dehumidifiers to prevent damp and condensation.

Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

• LED Lighting: Switch to LED lights, which use a lot less energy than traditional bulbs.
• Efficient Cooking: When possible, use energy-efficient appliances like a microwave, or slow cooker instead of a standard oven. The wonderbag (or similar) is a slow cooker which uses no power.
• 12V Appliances: When possible, use 12-volt appliances specifically designed for caravans and mobile homes.
• Cooler Bags: Instead of using a fridge you may be able to use cooler bags for some items.

Use Natural Resources

• Maximize Natural Light: Use daylight as much as possible to reduce the need for artificial lighting.
• Ventilation and Shading: In hot weather, ventilate in the morning or evening when it's cooler and keep windows closed during the day. Use awnings or reflective sunshades to keep the place cool.

Manage Heating and Cooling

• Efficient Heating: If you use a log burner hardwood or coal burns for longer. If you use coal please be aware of any local rules around burning coal in residential areas. You could use a propane heater that is designed to be fuel-efficient.
• Layer Clothing: In colder months, dress in layers and use thermal blankets to reduce the need for heating.

Solar Power Solutions

• Portable Solar Panels: Consider installing portable solar panels to make renewable energy for lighting, small appliances, or charging batteries.
• Solar Chargers: You can get small solar-powered chargers for phones, tablets, and other small devices to reduce the load on your main battery or generator.
• Solar Powered Shower Bag: Consider using a solar powered shower bag in the summer to save using water heaters.

Battery and Power Management

• Use Low-Power Mode: Set appliances like fridges or freezers to a low-power mode, and avoid keeping them fully stocked as this can increase energy consumption.
• Energy-Efficient Batteries: Ensure you are using efficient deep-cycle batteries that can hold a charge for longer periods, reducing the need to recharge frequently.
• Power Inverter: If you use an inverter for 240V appliances, make sure it's energy-efficient and only use it when necessary, as inverters can waste energy.

Water Heating and Usage

• Heat Water Sparingly: Only heat as much water as you need.
• Use flasks: Boil the kettle once and put the rest of the water in a flask to keep it warm.

Cooking and Laundry

• Cook in Bulk: When using appliances like an oven or hob, cook larger meals at once and reheat portions using more efficient methods like a microwave if you have one.
• Cold Water Laundry: Wash clothes in cooler water and try to use drying racks or lines instead of an electric dryer if possible.
• Efficient Cooking: Use energy-efficient cooking devices. 

Use Timers

• Timers: Set timers for lighting and appliances so they only run when necessary.

Improve Insulation

• Seal Gaps: Use weather stripping or caulking to seal gaps around windows, doors, and other openings to prevent drafts.
• Attic and Wall Insulation: Make sure your attic and walls are well-insulated to maintain the right temperature.
• Double-Glazing Windows: If possible, install double or triple-glazed windows to minimize heat loss during winter and reduce heat gain in the summer.

Improve Heating and Cooling

• Programmable Thermostat: Use a programmable thermostat to automatically lower heating or cooling when you're asleep or away from home. Set the temperature on the thermostat a few degrees lower in winter and higher in summer to save energy.
• Zone Heating/Cooling: Only heat or cool the rooms you are using, and close doors to rooms that are not in use.
• Turn radiators down: If you are not using a room turn the radiator down to the lowest setting. Do not turn it off as it uses more energy to get the radiator back up to temperature and may create issues with mould.
• Bleed radiators: This will reduce the pressure in your radiator and help them heat more efficiently.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

• Upgrade to Energy Star Appliances: Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models that have the Energy Star label. This applies to refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and more.
• Use Smart Power Strips: Plug appliances into smart power strips that automatically shut off power when devices are not in use.
• Unplug Devices: Unplug electronics like chargers, TVs, and gaming consoles when they’re not in use, as they still draw power in standby mode.

Lighting Efficiency

• Switch to LED Bulbs: LED bulbs use a lot less energy than traditional light bulbs and last much longer.
• Use Natural Light: Increase daylight by opening curtains and blinds during the day to reduce the need for artificial lighting.
• Dimmer Switches and Motion Sensors: Install dimmer switches to adjust lighting levels as needed and motion sensors in less-used rooms like hallways or bathrooms to automatically turn off lights.

Water Heating and Conservation

• Lower Water Heater Temperature: Set your water heater to 60°C to reduce energy use.
• Install Low-Flow Fixtures: Use low-flow showerheads and faucets to reduce hot water use.
• Insulate Water Heater and Pipes: Wrap your water heater and exposed pipes with insulation to reduce heat loss and improve efficiency.
• Shorter Showers: Take shorter showers and wash clothes in cold water to reduce the amount of hot water needed.
• Use flasks: Boil the kettle once and put the rest of the water in a flask to keep it warm.

Laundry and Dishwashing

• Full Loads Only: Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full.
• Air-Dry Clothes: Use a drying rack or clothesline instead of a dryer when possible, and when using a dryer, clean the lint filter after each use to maintain efficiency.
• Energy-Saving Modes: Use the energy-saving settings on dishwashers and washing machines.

Refrigeration and Freezer Tips

• Optimal Temperature Settings: Keep the refrigerator between 1.5-3°C and the freezer at -18°C to maintain efficiency without overcooling.
• Keep Fridge Full: A full fridge retains cold better than an empty one, but don’t overfill it, as this can block airflow.
• Defrost Freezer Regularly: Frost build-up can reduce efficiency, so defrost the freezer when necessary.

Solar and Renewable Energy

• Install Solar Panels: If possible, install solar panels to generate renewable energy for your home, which can significantly reduce your electricity bill. There are sometimes grants available for these.
• Solar Water Heater: Consider installing a solar water heater to reduce energy consumption for heating water.

Smart Home Technology

• Smart Thermostats: Use smart thermostats to automatically adjust heating and cooling based on your schedule, ensuring energy is not wasted when you’re not home.
• Smart Plugs: Use smart plugs to control devices and appliances remotely, allowing you to turn them off when not needed or schedule their usage.

Outdoor Energy Savings

• Energy-Efficient Landscaping: Plant trees or shrubs around your house to provide shade in the summer and act as a windbreak in the winter, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
• Solar Outdoor Lighting: Use solar-powered lights for your garden, pathway, or porch to eliminate the need for electrical lighting outdoors.

Maximize Insulation

• Seal Drafts: Use weather stripping or sealant to close any gaps around hatches, windows, or doors to prevent air leaks.
• Curtains and Window Covers: Install thermal curtains or insulated covers for windows to retain heat during cooler months and block heat during summer.
• Ventilation: Use vents or fans for proper airflow to manage humidity and prevent condensation.
• Dehumidifiers: If needed, use disposable dehumidifiers to prevent damp and condensation.

Efficient Lighting

• LED Lighting: Switch to LED bulbs throughout the boat. They use a lot less energy than traditional light bulbs and have a longer lifespan.

Solar Energy

• Solar Panels: Install solar panels for charging batteries or running small appliances.
• Solar Powered Shower Bag: Consider using a solar powered shower bag in the summer to save running the engine.

Appliance Efficiency

• Turn Off Appliances: Unplug or switch off appliances and devices when they are not in use, especially those with standby modes that still consume power.

Cooking and Food Storage

• Efficient Cooking: Use energy-efficient cooking devices. For example, a wonderbag is a slow cooker which uses no power.
• Use Flasks: Boil the kettle once and put the rest of the water in a flask to keep it warm.
• Fridge Efficiency: Set your fridge and freezer to the optimal temperature (around 3°C for the fridge, and -18°C for the freezer) to avoid overcooling. Keep the fridge full but not overcrowded to maintain efficiency.
• Cooler Bags: Instead of using a fridge you may be able to use cooler bags for some items.

Battery and Power Management

• Use Deep-Cycle Marine Batteries: Invest in deep-cycle marine batteries that store energy more efficiently and last longer, helping you rely less on engine power or generators.
• Monitor Battery Use: Install a battery monitor to track energy usage and ensure you're using power efficiently. Aim to maintain your batteries within the optimal charge range to extend their life and reduce the need for recharging.
• Inverter Use: Use an inverter to convert 12V power to 240V/110V sparingly. Inverters can waste energy, so try to minimize their use.

Efficient Heating and Cooling

• Natural Ventilation: Make use of natural ventilation by opening windows, hatches, and vents to promote airflow .
• Minimize Heater Use: In cold weather, dress in layers and use blankets or sleeping bags to minimize the use of heating systems.

Efficient Motoring.

• Running the engine when stationary: Use the engine at optimal efficiency (usually around 70-80% of maximum RPM) to reduce fuel consumption and wear.

Laundry

• Hand-Wash Clothes: Instead of relying on a washing machine, wash clothes by hand when possible and dry them on deck.
• Cold Water Wash: If you do use a washing machine, opt for cold water settings to reduce energy consumption.

Timers

• Timers: Use timers to control when certain devices, such as lights or water heaters, are powered on. This prevents leaving them on longer than necessary.