This week, our Getting Your Home Ready for Autumn countdown is focusing on a few simple things you can do to prepare your home for darker days.

From switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs to checking your torches, these small jobs can help you feel prepared for autumn while also reducing unnecessary energy use.

Make the Switch to LED Light Bulbs

As the days get shorter, our lights naturally stay on for longer. Therefore, now is a great time to check the bulbs around your home.

If you still have older incandescent or halogen bulbs, consider replacing them with LED alternatives as they need replaced. LED bulbs use considerably less electricity than traditional bulbs and also last much longer. As a result, making the switch can help reduce both your household energy use and the number of replacement bulbs you need to buy.

You don’t necessarily need to replace every working bulb at once. Instead, you could start with the lights you use most often, such as those in your kitchen, living room or hallway.

Check Your Torches

Living on Arran, we know that autumn and winter weather can sometimes bring disruption. So, it’s worth making sure you have a working torch somewhere easy to find.

Check that your torches are working and that rechargeable ones are charged. If your torch uses batteries, make sure you have suitable spares available too. It’s a very small job, but one you’ll be glad you did if you suddenly need it! Having candles and a lighter could also a be a good back up idea!

Give Your Light Fittings a Clean

When was the last time you cleaned your lampshades and light fittings?

Dust can build up on bulbs, shades and fittings over time, which can reduce the amount of light reaching the room. Giving them a careful clean can help you get the most from the lighting you already have. Before cleaning any light fitting, switch it off and allow the bulb to cool completely.

While you’re at it, you could also make the most of natural daylight by keeping windows clean and opening curtains or blinds fully during the day.

Switch Off Appliances Left on Standby

As we spend more time indoors during autumn and winter, it’s also a good opportunity to look at the appliances around your home that may be using electricity unnecessarily.

TVs, games consoles, computers and other electrical devices can continue to use power when left on standby. Where it is safe and practical to do so, switch appliances off at the wall when you’re finished using them. You could also use switched extension leads to make it easier to turn several devices off together.

It might seem like a tiny change, but small amounts of wasted electricity can add up over time.

Your Week 2 Autumn Checklist

With two weeks to go until autumn, take a few minutes this week to:

• Change frequently used bulbs to LEDs
• Check your torches are working
• Clean light fittings and lampshades
• Switch off appliances left unnecessarily on standby
• Make the most of natural daylight

You don’t need to make big or expensive changes to start reducing energy use at home. Small, practical actions can all contribute to a home that is better prepared for the darker and colder months ahead.

Need Some Energy Advice?

If you’re thinking about how you can make your home warmer, more energy efficient or cheaper to run this autumn and winter, Arran Eco Savvy can help.

We offer free, impartial energy advice to help Arran households explore practical energy-saving measures and understand the support that may be available.

Email sofi@arranecosavvy.org.uk to arrange a one-to-one energy advice session.

Keep following our Getting Your Home Ready for Autumn countdown, next week we’ll reach just one week to go! How is it almost AUTUMN!?