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Reducing your Bills through Energy Efficiency
There are many ways in which you can use energy more efficiently in order to save money off your future energy bills. Below are some tips that can get you started right away. More information on how to be energy efficient can be found on the My Home section of the Energy Saving Trust web site.
- Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.
- Turning your thermostat down by 1ºC could cut your heating bills by up to 10 per cent and save you around £30 per year.
- Use a shower if you have one and you'll save time, money and water.
- If you have a dripping tap, get it repaired quickly. In just one week, you could waste enough hot water to fill half a bath.
- Switch off your TV, video and Hi-Fi rather than leave them on standby.
- If you're not filling up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, use the half-load or economy programme.
- Is your water too hot? Your cylinder thermostat shouldn't need to be set higher than 60ºC/140ºF.
- Always turn off the lights when you leave a room.
- Only boil as much water as you need (but remember to cover the elements if you're using an electric kettle).
- Replace your light bulbs with energy saving recommended ones: just one can reduce your lighting costs by up to £78 over the lifetime of the bulb - and they last up to 12 times longer than ordinary light bulbs.