Be energy efficient

Tips for energy efficiency and cutting fuel bills

If your home wastes energy you are having a direct effect on the environment.

Everyone can do their bit to help the environment just by saving energy at home on heating, lighting and powering household appliances.

To stop draughts and stop heat escaping outside

Make sure your exterior doors and windows fit well. If they do not, report the repair online or contact your housing office to get them repaired
Fill any gaps in floorboards or under skirting boards with beading or sealant

Windows

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

Heating

Turning your thermostat down by 1°C could cut your heating costs by up to 10%. If you are away on holiday during the winter leave the thermostat on a low setting to provide protection from freezing at minimum cost
Having your central heating on a low level for long periods will heat your home more efficiently than using it at a high level for short periods. It is also more economical than having a gas or electric bar fire on all day

Hot water

Hot water does not need to be scalding. For most people, setting the cylinder thermostat at 60°C/140°F is fine for bathing and washing. It is also cheaper than using a higher setting
Always use the plug in your basin or sink. If you leave hot water taps running you are effectively washing money down the plughole

TV’s, video’s, stereos, computers, and cordless phones

To cut down on wasted energy, avoid leaving appliances on standby or unnecessarily on charge

Fridges

Don’t leave the door open for longer than necessary, as cold air will escape
Allow hot or warm food to cool before putting it into the fridge
Defrost your fridge regularly to keep it running efficiently and cheaply. If it tends to frost up quickly, check the door seal
If you have to put your fridge next to a cooker or boiler, leave as big a gap as you can between them

Washing machines and tumble dryers

Washing a full load is more economical but, if you can’t, use a half-load or an economy programme if the machine has one. Modern washing powders are just as effective at lower temperatures than on high ones
Do not tumble-dry really wet clothes, wring them out or spin-dry them first. It’s much faster and will save you money
If you have an outside washing line it is far cheaper and more energy efficient to use it. It also helps prevent condensation problems in your home

Dishwashers

Try to use the low temperature programme, and wash a full load each time

Light bulbs

Fit energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs, instead of old-fashioned incandescent bulbs. They last much longer and only use about a fifth of the electricity. You can get them to fit almost any type of light fitting but you cannot use them with a dimmer switch

Things to remember

It is very important to ensure that any appliance, including a cooker or boiler, has enough ventilation to operate safely
Do not block up existing air vents or grilles, they are there to ensure there is enough ventilation
If you are draught proofing windows, make sure you can still open them for ventilation, to help prevent condensation, and to be able get out in an emergency

Get local energy advice

The Environment Centre are a local charity that specialise in energy efficiency advice.

They can give you tips on how to save energy and reduce your bills, advice about approved installers and information about any grants or schemes available in your area.

To contact the Environment Centre you can email enquiries@environmentcentre.com, call 0800 804 8601 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm), or visit their website.