10 ways to save cash, energy and do your bit to slow down climate change.
Here are several simple measures you can do right now to save energy:
- Turn your thermostat down. Reducing your room temperature by 1°C could reduce your heating bills by almost 10 percent and usually saves over £50 annually. If you use a programmer, adjust your heating and hot water to switch on only when necessary rather than all the time.
- Is your water too hot? Your thermostat should be set at approximately 60°C/140°F.
- Draw your curtains at dusk to prevent heat from escaping through the glass and check for draughts around both windows and doors.
- Always switch off the lights when you leave a room.
- Don’t keep appliances on standby and remember not to leave computers and mobile phones on charge pointlessly.
- If possible, make sure the washing machine is fully stocked, as well as the tumble dryer or dishwasher. One full load uses less energy than two half loads.
- Only use as much water as is necessary (but remember to cover the elements if you are using an electric kettle).
- A hot water tap wastes energy if left dripping and in one week wastes enough warm water to fill half a bath, so you should fix leaking taps and make sure they are properly turned off!
- Use lightbulbs which are energy saving. They last up to ten times longer than standard bulbs, and using one can save you about £40 over the lifetime of a bulb. This saving could be about £65 over its lifetime if you’re switching from a high wattage incandescent bulb, or one used for more than two hours a day.
- Do a home energy check. Just reply to some simple questions about your house and we’ll give you a free, impartial report informing you how you can save up to £300 a year on your home’s energy bills.