As the weather cools down, indulging in comforting meals becomes a highlight. However, frequent use of the oven for dishes like roasts and pies can lead to increased energy expenses. Renowned organizer and TV personality, Dilly Carter, shares some innovative tips to help you maintain a cozy home during winter without breaking the bank on energy.
Focusing on the kitchen, Dilly recommends cost-effective cooking methods. She highlights that appliances like air fryers and microwaves are more energy-efficient compared to gas hobs or ovens. If these appliances are not available, she suggests batch cooking on the hob as an energy-saving alternative. Reheating a frozen portion of bolognese consumes less energy than cooking from scratch each time. Dilly also encourages maximizing oven use by baking additional items alongside main dishes, such as preparing muffins while roasting a Sunday meal.
For tea enthusiasts, Dilly advises boiling only the necessary amount of water for the number of cups being made to avoid wastage. Maintaining your kettle by descaling it not only improves efficiency but also enhances the taste of your tea. When it comes to larger appliances, Dilly recommends waiting until your washing machine and dishwasher are full before running them. Washing clothes at 30 degrees is suitable for most garments and prolongs their lifespan.
Dilly emphasizes the simplicity of keeping your home warm without significant costs. By identifying areas where cold air enters your house and ensuring efficient radiator performance, you can create a plan to enhance warmth. She stresses the value of utilizing a smart meter to monitor energy consumption and identify opportunities for reducing usage. Smart meters are typically provided by energy suppliers at no extra charge.
Dilly emphasizes that implementing basic energy-saving practices is more impactful than investing in expensive technologies. By being mindful of energy use and making simple adjustments, you can significantly reduce energy costs and contribute to a more sustainable home environment.