Save energy
Using energy more efficiently is not just better for the environment but can also save us money on our fuel bills. Just follow these simple steps to make small changes in your pocket.
Control your heating
Cut 10% off your heating bill by tuning down your thermostat down by 1˚C.
Invest in some radiator reflectors
Radiator reflector panels can prevent heat loss and increase the temperature in a room.
Energy saving light bulbs
Change your ordinary light bulbs and save £7 per light per year!
Switch off
Unplug your electrical appliances when not in use and save £40 a year.
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Don’t leave appliances on standby
Electrical items like your TV, stereo and computer can use up to 85% of their energy on standby. You could save around £40 per year if you turn them off at the plug instead.
Unplug your mobile phone charger
Our chargers use electricity even when they’re not plugged into our phones and all together can produce as much as 250,000 tonnes of carbon monoxide every year. Unplugging them could save enough electricity each year to power 115,000 homes.
Switch off the light when leaving a room
Leaving lights on wastes energy, which means it wastes money so switch to energy saving light bulbs, which last up to ten times longer than ordinary light bulbs. They could save you around £7 per light over a year.
Wash clothes at lower temperatures
Washing clothes at 30˚C rather 40˚C, uses 40% less energy and is generally as efficient. Always wait until you have a full load before operating the washing machine. Also try not to use a tumble dryer – they are very expensive to run and produce a lot of heat.
Turn the thermostat down
By turning down the thermostat by 1˚C can cut more than 10% from the average heating bill, saving you up to £30 a year. Reaching for a jumper rather than turning the thermostat up when it gets cold also helps.
In the kitchen
- Only boil water as and when you need it. But make sure you cover the element if you are using an electric kettle.
- When using a saucepan use the lid too – your food will cook faster and use less energy.
- Avoid putting hot or warm food straight into the fridge – allow it to cool down first. Defrost your food overnight in your fridge; this cools the fridge so it uses less energy.
Close your curtains
Thick curtains help prevent heat loss, but they should only cover the windows, not the radiators.
Buy energy efficiency products
If you are buying a new appliance such as a washing machine or fridge you can find information on their energy efficiency by checking the Energy label. ‘A’ rated appliances are the most energy efficient and will give savings in both energy and cash.
By taking up some of these suggestions you will save money on your gas and electricity bills as well as helping the planet. Remember, together we can make a difference.
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