Energy Advice

Be Energy Efficient without Spending a Penny

Here are some tips for your home to try and be more energy efficient.

Hot Water
Water needs to be hot, but never scalding. For most people, setting the cylinder thermostat at 60°C/140°F is fine for bathing and washing.
Saving: up to £10 per year
Always put the plug in your basin or sink! Leaving hot water taps running with the plug removed is akin to washing money down the plughole.

Taps
In just one day, a dripping hot water tap can waste energy and enough water to fill a bath. Make sure they're off.

Draughts
Eliminate and save heat by installing an easy-to-fix brush or PVC seal on your exterior doors.

Central Heating
Too warm? Stop wasting money and turn the thermostat down by 1°C. it could cut your heating bills by up to 10%.* If you're going away for winter leave the thermostat on a low setting to provide protection from freezing at minimum cost.

Saving: around £30 per year*

Letterboxes and Keyholes
Nylon brush seals or a spring flap for the letterbox can help, and a cover on the keyhole.

Radiators and Storage Heaters
Do not cover, and keep furniture away, otherwise you will significantly reduce their heat output. Close a valve on radiators in any unused rooms.

Time Clock
Adjust times so that you only have heating and hot water when you need them.

Hot Water Tank
Ensure that the insulating jacket for your hot water cylinder is properly fixed in place.
Saving: up to £10-£15 a year

Curtains
Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.

Lights
Always turn off the lights when you leave a room - and adjust your curtains or blinds to let in as much light as possible during the day and take advantage of any solar heat gain.

Light Bulbs
If you use a particular light for an average of four hours or more a day, then replace it with an energy-saving equivalent - which will use around a quarter of the electricity and last up to 12 times longer. Energy efficient bulbs cost around £5 each, but will give you a saving on your bills of £10 over the year.

Televisions, videos, stereos, computers, cordless phones and other electrical items
To cut down on wasted energy, avoid leaving appliances on standby and remember not to leave appliances on charge unnecessarily. Check the operation manual to make sure that this won't reset the appliance's memory.

Showers
An ordinary shower uses only two-fifths of the water needed for a bath. If you do not have a shower, why not buy special attachments for your bath taps? They are widely available.

Fridges
Don't leave the fridge door open for longer than necessary, as cold air will escape. Avoid putting hot or warm food straight into the fridge; allow it to cool down first. Defrost your fridge regularly to keep it running efficiently and cheaply. If it tends to frost up quickly, check the door seal. And if you absolutely have to site your fridge next to a cooker or boiler, leave a good gap between them.

Freezers
Should be kept at least three quarters full - use bread to fill empty spaces.

Washing Machine and Tumble Dryers
Always wash a full load - and if you can't, use a half-load or economy programme bearing in mind that with modern washing powders this will be just as effective. And don't put really wet clothes into a tumble dryer; wring them out or spin-dry them first. It's much faster and it will save you money.

Dishwashers
Try and use the low temperature programme and ensure you have a full load.

Pots and Pans
Choose the right size pan for the food and cooker (the base should just cover an electric cooking ring) - and keep lids on when cooking. With gas, the flames only need heat the bottom of the pan. If they lick up the side then you're wasting heat. Don't use more water than you need - because it doesn't only waste energy, but it spoils food.

Kettles
Heat the amount of water you really need - and if you're using an electric kettle, make sure you cover the elements. Jug- type kettles need less water as they have smaller elements. De-scale regularly if necessary and follow rinsing instructions.