Energy saving is good for the environment and good for your pocket! Research shows the average household could save up to £300 a year by being more energy efficient. Try these top tips, and start reaping the rewards today:
- When replacing household electrical items, look for the EU energy label rating – and choose the most efficient models which are cheaper to run
- Choose products with the Energy Saving Recommended logo
- Turn your thermostat down by 1ºC - this could cut your heating bills by up to 10 per cent and save you around £30 per year.
- Is your water too hot? Your cylinder thermostat shouldn't need to be set higher than 60ºC/140ºF.
- Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.
- Always turn off the lights when you leave a room.
- Don't leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave appliances on charge unnecessarily.
- If you're not filling up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, use the half-load or economy programme.
- Only boil as much water as you need (but remember to cover the elements if you're using an electric kettle).
- A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and in one week wastes enough hot water to fill half a bath, so fix leaking taps and make sure they're fully turned off!
- Replace your light bulbs with energy saving recommended ones: just one can reduce your lighting costs by up to £78 over the lifetime of the bulb - and they last up to 12 times longer than ordinary light bulbs. We are sometimes able to offer our customers energy saving light bulbs FREE – so please ask!
For more energy saving ideas, visit the Energy Saving Trust website: www.est.org.uk