Some of the things we can do in our homes to help us save energy cost either nothing or will repay themselves within a matter of months. Here are a few tips:

Draught Proofing

To prevent draughts and wasted heat use an easy-to-fix brush or PVC seal on your exterior doors.
Stop draughts and heat escaping through floorboards and skirting boards by filling gaps with newspaper, beading or sealant.
Make sure your windows are draught proofed. A low cost, short-term alternative to double-glazing would be to tape polythene across window frames. Alternatively, some DIY stores sell specialist coatings for windows.

Curtains: close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows. Lining your curtains will decrease the amount of heat lost as well.

Heating and Hot Water

Too warm? Turning your thermostat down by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10%. And if you are going away for winter, leave the thermostat on a low setting to provide protection from freezing at minimum cost. Saving: around £30 per year.
Hot water: Of course it should be hot, but it does not need to be scalding. For most people, setting the cylinder thermostat at 60°C/140°F is fine for bathing and washing.

Lighting and Equipment

Lights: Always turn them off when you leave a room and adjust your curtains or blinds to let in as much light as possible during the day.
Televisions, videos, stereos, computers, and cordless phones: To cut down on wasted energy, avoid leaving appliances on standby and remember not to leave them on charge unnecessarily. Please check user manual first.

Fridges and Freezers

Do not leave the fridge or freezer door open for longer than necessary as cold air escapes.
Avoid putting hot or warm food straight into the fridge - allow it to cool down first.
Defrost your freezer regularly to keep it running efficiently and cheaply. If it tends to frost up quickly, check the door seal.
If you have your fridge next to a cooker or boiler, leave a good gap between them.

Washing and Drying

Plug it: Always put the plug in your basin or sink. Leaving hot water running straight down the drain really is throwing money and a valuable resource away.
Washing machines and tumble dryers: Always wash a full load if you cannot use a half-load or economy programme.
Always use the low temperature programme bearing in mind that modern washing powders will be just as effective at lower temperatures.
Wring out or spin-drying really wet clothes before putting them into a tumble dryer will save you money and clothes will dry faster.
Dishwashers: Try to use the low temperature programme and ensure you wash a full load.

If you would like more information call our free energy advice line on 0800 512 012, or search our Websites Directory for organisations giving further advice on energy saving and greener living.