From Guest Blogger Mattea Jacobs: Eight Ways to Save Energy at the Cottage

A cottage by the lake can make a wonderful holiday home for those who want to get away from their busy lifestyle. The closeness to nature and the simplicity a cottage provides are good reasons to keep eco-friendly and energy efficiency in mind. Whether you live in a cottage or own one for weekend getaways, keeping your cottage powered can be a significant investment. However, there are simple ways to ensure maximum energy savings at your cottage.

 

1. Use Energy Efficient Appliances

 

Old appliances like fridges, stoves, washing machines, water heaters, etc. pull loads of energy. Most newer versions are made to be energy efficient which will save you a lot more money over time. A suitable replacement for the conventional water heater, for example, is a tankless water heater, which only heats the amount of water that is being used at the time.

 

Also, do not underestimate your cottage lighting, as incandescent light bulbs use much more energy than compact fluorescent lights. Lights that are energy efficient uses 75% less electricity, and they last ten times longer.

 

2. Cook in Nature

If you love that nature surrounds your cottage, then why not make the most of it. By cooking outside on a grill or over a fire, you eliminate the energy usage of your stove. But if you do not like cooking outside, then at least make sure your stove is up to date. Pellets stoves, for example, creates less ash and creosote and they are 85% energy efficient.

 

3. Apply Old School Methods

 

Sometimes doing things the old way is the best when it comes to energy savings. For example, you do not need to use a dryer to dry your clothes, install a clothesline instead so that you can make use of the wind and the sun to help you save on energy. After all, if you are on vacation, you have the time, time to enjoy that air-dried-smell.

 

4. Insulation Is the Key to Energy Efficiency

 

Just like a regular house, if your cottage is not insulated properly, it will be wasting a lot of energy on heating and cooling. Make sure all the drafts are sealed up and that your insulation is up to date. Energy efficient doors and windows are also a huge energy efficiency improvement that can be made over time. You can also opt for energy efficient window treatments which will be a less expensive option.

 

5. Choose the Right Heating and Cooling Methods

 

One excellent heating option for a cottage is a geothermal heating and cooling system, which extracts heat from the earth for warming and extracts heat out from your cabin when cooling. Heating your cottage with your fireplace is another way to minimize the electricity usage, and it adds a cozy touch, but make sure to explore your options to find the most efficient system that works for your location.

 

6. Make Use of Nature

 

If your cottage is in a windy area, then a wind turbine can be a great investment which can provide you with an off the grid cottage lifestyle. Another source of nature is the sun of course, with solar panels becoming more affordable each day. Opt for a simple DIY solar system if you want to save energy from small appliances or lamps.

 

7. Install a Rainwater Harvesting System

 

The easiest way to collect rainwater is to place a barrel which has a lid or mesh under your downspout. The water it collects can be used to water the garden, put out a campfire or wash a car. If you want drinking water, then a more complicated system that works with pumps and filters can be installed. Either way, it is a great way to save water.

 

8. When You’re Away

 

Keep in mind that when you leave your cottage, then energy can still be wasted. Electricity is continuously being pulled from various plugged-in devices even if they are not turned on. Therefore, before you leave your cottage, plug out the TV, computer, chargers, etc. to make sure that no energy is going to waste.

 

Remember that even when you are away on holiday, it is no excuse to waste energy. Staying conscious of environmentally friendly habits is the best way to help our planet and help you save money.

 

Author: Mattea Jacobs

Short bio:

Mattea Jacobs is a freelance writer who mostly writes about both interior and exterior home design, and environmentally-friendly ways to improve homes. She is also a green activist and a mother of two beautiful sons.