We value your comments so please tell us which Energy Saving tips and Ideas that have worked for you by e-mailing us at tips@uk-energy-saving.com and we will consider them for our list below.
POWER SAVING TIPS
- Use Energy Saving Light Bulbs. These may cost more, but they use far less electricity than normal bulbs, saving you money in the long run. BUY NOW
- Only boil the amount of water you really need in your kettle, 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. Energy Saving Kettles are also available.
- Use the kettle to boil water for cooking, instead of heating a pan on the stove. Not only will this be more efficient, but it generally takes less time too.
- Switch all electrical appliances off at the plug instead of using the 'standby' function. During standby the appliances are still using electricity, and astonishingly, this accounts for 6% of all electricity usage in the home.
- Defrost your fridge and freezer regularly to keep them running efficiently and cheaply - if they frost up quickly, check the door seal. If your fridge is next to a cooker or boiler, leave a good gap between them.
- Consider buying a Savaplug. These replace the usual plug at the back of the fridge and will cut energy use from the appliance by 20%.
- When using washing machines and tumble dryers always wash a full load or use a half-load or economy programme. Always use the low temperature programme - modern washing powders are effective at lower temperatures. And don't put really wet clothes into a tumble dryer: wring them out or spin-dry them first. See below for tips on reducing your tumble dryer usage. Follow the links for information on energy saving washing machines and Energy Saving Tumble Dryers
- Try not to use a tumble dryer unless absolutely necessary. On dry days use an outdoor clothes line for fresh-smelling laundry and on damp or very cold days dry your clothes inside. Airing cupboards are great for things you need quickly or use old fashioned clothes horses or overhead dryers.
- If you have a computer which is busy downloading or burning a CD, switch the computer monitor off and remember not to leave it on standby when turning the computer off.
- Only using your dishwasher when it is full could save you up to £15 a year.
- Turn your microwave off at the wall when not in use. Powering the clock can use more power than heating your food!
- Don't waste energy when using computers. Make use of power saving modes, turn off peripherals when they're not in use and make sure you switch everything off completely when you are finished (or at least go into hibernate mode).
SAVE MONEY ON HEATING & HOT WATER BILLS
- Insulating your Loft could save you up to £150 per year and Cavity Wall nsulation could save a further £115 or more. APPLY FOR A FREE SURVEY NOW
- Water does not need to be heated to a scalding temperature; for most people, setting the cylinder thermostat at around 60°C should be adequate for bathing and washing.
- In Winter close your curtains at night to stop heat escaping.
- Fit aluminium foil or reflective panels behind radiators. This reflects heat back into the room rather than the walls absorbing and losing the heat.
- Stop draughts by attaching an easy-to-fix brush or PVC seal to your exterior doors. Fill gaps between floorboards & skirting boards with beading, sealant or newspaper. Follow the link for more information on Draught Proofing
- Too warm? Why not turn the room thermostat down by 1°C and it could cut your heating bills by up to 10%.
- The sun is the most readily available source of heat there is - and the cheapest! So make the most of it by opening internal doors of any rooms which get more sun than others and let the warm air travel through your home.
- Hot water pipes can be insulated to stop heat escaping from them to good effect. The best pipes to insulate are the ones between the boiler and hot water cylinder. Cost is around £1 per metre. Saving is around £10 per year.
- Setting your heating to turn off one hour before you leave the house and just half an hour before your return will mean that the heat is not wasted on an empty house.
- If you have an old central heating system, consider having the radiators flushed to increase efficiency and reduce fuel bills.
WATER SAVING TIPS
- Turn off the tap while cleaning your teeth and you can save around 5 litres of water every time.
- Put a Hippo in your toilet cistern. Hippo the Water Saver is the simple, proven and low cost water saving device to help conserve water in toilet cisterns. Every time a toilet is flushed the Hippo saves approximately 3 litres of water. BUY NOW
- Dripping taps can waste up to 4 litres of water a day so make sure you replace worn tap washers.
- Vegetables and fruit should be washed in a bowl not under a running tap. The leftover water can then be used for watering plants.
Saving Energy at Home? Why not also save money and visit Energy Saving Offers.
Grants are available for many energy saving measures. Insulation is one such area which is key in making your home more energy efficient.
Why not complete a free survey above to see if you are eligible for a grant?
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