Being energy efficient need not cost you a great deal. Find practical tips here.
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
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To prevent draughts and wasted heat use an easy-to-fix brush or PVC seal on your exterior doors.
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Stop draughts and heat escaping through floorboards and skirting boards by filling gaps with newspaper, beading or sealant.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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Do not leave the fridge or freezer door open for longer than necessary as cold air escapes.
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Avoid putting hot or warm food straight into the fridge - allow it to cool down first.
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Defrost your freezer regularly to keep it running efficiently and cheaply. If it tends to frost up quickly, check the door seal.
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If you have your fridge next to a cooker or boiler, leave a good gap between them.
Washing and Drying
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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.
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Washing machines and tumble dryers: Always wash a full load if you cannot use a half-load or economy programme.
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Always use the low temperature programme bearing in mind that modern washing powders will be just as effective at lower temperatures.
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Wring out or spin-drying really wet clothes before putting them into a tumble dryer will save you money and clothes will dry faster.
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Dishwashers: Try to use the low temperature programme and ensure you wash a full load.
If you would like more information search our Websites Directory for organisations giving further advice on energy saving and greener living, or call our free energy advice line - Contact Details below.
