3 ways to cut your energy use

2 min read

GH GETTING GREENER

WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU MAKE MORE SUSTAINABLE CHOICES

Looking for ways to reduce your bills this winter? These three energy-saving tips will benefit the environment, too…

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY. *ENERGY SAVING TRUST

Consumer affairs director Emilie Martin is on a mission to help you make smarter, greener decisions

WOULD YOU BUY A PRELOVED KITCHEN?

What you need to know when replacing or updating your kitchen… From fashion to homewares, buying secondhand means less waste destined for landfill, and it’s usually cheaper, too. Research from consultants Deloitte shows that 40% of us bought secondhand or refurbished goods in the past year – but have you ever considered a preowned kitchen?

Companies such as Used Kitchen Exchange (UKE), Kitchen Exchange and The Used Kitchen Company list secondhand and ex-display kitchens, as well as kitchen islands and units if you’re looking to update rather than replace everything. All three firms inspect the condition of kitchens before they are listed. You can sell your existing kitchen through these listing websites, too.

‘Be prepared to put in some legwork planning the layout and measuring the space, but the rewards can be huge,’ says Carolyn Bailey, Good Housekeeping homes and gardens director. ‘Many kitchens on offer are only a few years old and you can get a high-end kitchen at a much lower cost.’ The Used Kitchen Company says its customers typically save 50-70% on ex-display kitchens compared to buying new.

Check before you buy if the cost of having a kitchen dismantled is included in the price. The buyer generally pays for delivery. If you need a tradesperson to dismantle a kitchen – or if you’re looking for a fitter – use a website such as checkatrade.com or ratedpeople.com, or ask friends for recommendations.

FIT SMART PLUGS

The Energy Saving Trust (EST) estimates that a typical three-bedroom household could save up to £55 a year by switching appliances off standby when they’re not in use. Smart plugs make this easier. You can schedule when the devices plugged into them are switched on or off, or set a timer so they’re switched off automatically after a certain period – all from an app on

This article is from...

Good Housekeeping - UK Magazine

28 September 2022

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