5 super simple energy saving tips for your home 

Here are some simple tips from the team at Somfy to help you save on your energy bill, no matter what time of the year it is. Find out how to make the most of your appliances and run an efficient home while you’re at it.

1. Shut doors and close curtains

Whether it’s over the summer or during the winter, keeping track of your doors and windows can help you save a significant amount on energy bills. The heating or cooling bill can really spike up when the systems throughout the house are not properly used or are working much more than necessary.

It is important to focus on the areas of your home that are the most frequently used. When a room is empty, make sure that the door is shut, the lights are off, and that the ceiling fan is not running.

Another simple tip is to check if all the windows are sealed properly. A leak can really get the air conditioning working harder than necessary. During the winter, keep your blinds and curtains closed at night to avoid the cold air to come in the home.

2. Let your thermostat adjust automatically

The temperature on your thermostat does not need to remain the same throughout the day since the temperatures around the house can change so much. Schedule automatic settings for the thermostat to adjust automatically throughout the day.

At night for example, consider lowering the temperature of your thermostat, as you will still be able to maintain a comfortable temperature while you are in bed. Alternatively adjust the temperature in the room, taking advantage of a sunny day by letting the sun’s rays in.

3. Take showers, not baths

It’s common knowledge that showers use less water than baths, but most people are still surprised to hear that showers are up to 3 times more efficient. For example, a 5 minute shower will use about 26 litres of hot water while a bathtub can use up to 75 litres.

Of course a nice bath once in a while is relaxing and recommended, but on a day to day basis and for large families a lot of money can be saved on the energy bills if everyone is comfortable with taking showers.

4. Check the refrigerator   

The refrigerator is one of the few appliances in the house that automatically runs for 24 hours a day. Making sure that it is running efficiently is therefore very important. Make a habit for the family to never leave the refrigerator door open as 30% of the cooled air can escape after just a few seconds.

A simple trick to make sure that the door never accidentally stays open is to make sure the refrigerator is level and the door will close automatically. You can also check if the seal of the refrigerator is tight by simply using a small piece of paper and see if it is hard to remove once the door is closed.

5. Enhance the air circulation  

You can save a significant amount on your energy bills by making sure that the air is flowing throughout the house. Good air circulation will prevent the heating or cooling system to work more than it needs to. Keep the interior doors and windows open in the areas you spend the most time in to let the air flow in and out smoothly.

Contact Somfy for more information and tips on the best home automation systems available.