There are lots of ways to use energy more efficiently at home. Most cost nothing, some cost a little – but together they could save you a lot of money on your energy bills.
Before you read on to saving energy tips. Play our consumption game and see how well you do in saving energy*
*If the consumption game cannot be seen, please go to adobe.com to download flash player
No cost energy saving tips
Close the curtains
- Shut out the night and keep in the heat, but make sure you don’t drape your drapes over radiators as this sends heat straight out of your windows
Go easy on heating
- Turn that thermostat down by just 1C – you could cut up to 10% of your heating bills
- Run your heating for just one hour less everyday
- Keep the air flow vents on your electric heaters clear of obstructions
Wise up about water
- Don’t set the thermostat too high – 60C/140F is fine for a hot bath or wash
- Take a shower – its faster, cheaper and more efficient than your bath
- Put the plug in – running that hot tap costs money and wastes water
- Fix that drip – leaks waste a lot more water than you think
Turn off the lights – and the TV
- If you’re not in the room for a while – kill the lights
- Switch the TV, DVD, PC or home cinema off - they still burn energy on standby
Don’t forget the fridge
- Defrost fridges and freezers regularly to improve their efficiency
- Don’t put hot food in the fridge – cool it down first
- Position fridges or freezers as far from cookers and heaters as you can
Wash wisely
- Run your washing machine on full loads – and use half load or economy programmes if you have them
- Use low energy programmes on dishwashers for all but the very dirtiest crocks
Cook with care
- Use the right sized pan for the food and the hob
- Keep saucepan lids on to keep in the heat
- Only use the water you need
- Boil the kettle for cooking water
- Make toast in the toaster not under the grill
- Don’t over fill the kettle – only boil the water you need
Low cost energy saving tips
- Use low energy light bulbs – they’re 4 times more efficient than standard bulbs and can last 15 times longer
- Lag your water cylinder – a good British Standard cylinder lagging jacket and insulation for hot water pipes pays for itself in months and saves you money for years
- Fit draught proofing – around your windows, inside your doors and across the letter box, but NEVER block ventilation in rooms containing gas, oil or solid fuel appliances
Buy appliances energy-wise
Many fridges, cookers, washing machines, TVs and other household appliances now carry Energy Efficiency labels when you buy or hire them – so make sure you use the Energy Efficiency label to help you buy energy-wise. Look for the coloured A – G scale and remember, A equals most efficient and G equals least efficient
Find out more on energy labelling (A-G rated appliances) by visiting the Energy Saving Trust website.
Think about home insulation
It may cost a little more to insulate your loft and cavity walls, but it could reduce your fuel bills by up to 30% a year. Find out more about home insulation.