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What can I do to help? |
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We can all do something to save money and save the environment by using less energy,
ensuring our homes are adequately insulated and by welcoming renewable forms of
energy. The average household can reduce their fuel bills by at least £100 a year
without losing either warmth or comfort by simply using energy efficiently and effectively.
This will also result in reduced CO2 emissions into our atmosphere. |
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Think about your habits |
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Learn below how you can make simple changes to use energy more wisely. These
changes cost nothing to implement and will actually save you money and the environment: |
- Only use the heat and light you really need – don't heat or light
rooms which are not in use
- If you find your home is too warm, turn down the radiator thermostat or turn off
the heat instead of opening a window and allowing the heat to escape
- Make sure TVs, videos and DVD players are not left on standby when not in use. Switch
them off at the plug each evening before going to bed.
- Turn your heating down – reducing your thermostat by 1°C will
save 10% off your heating bill.
- Regularly defrost your freezer - and try to keep it packed full,
even if this means packing space with scrunched up paper.
- Clothes washing – all modern washing machines heat water from cold
so only wash full loads and at a lower temperature such as 30°C. Some washing
powders and liquids are designed to operate at lower temperatures.
- Dishwashing – washing dishes by hand will save energy but if you
use a dishwasher, again only wash full loads as far as possible as they too heat
water from cold.
- It is not essential that your domestic water is heated to a high temperature, for
most people setting the thermostat to 60°C/140°F is quite adequate.
- The sun is the most readily available source of heat and it is free.
To benefit from free solar heat, open the internal doors of any rooms which get
more sun than others and allow the warm air to travel through your home.
- Sign up to a renewable tariff. This can be done at no extra cost
and will ensure that your energy supplier will purchase your electricity from a
renewable resource, such as a local wInd farm.
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Small changes can make a big difference |
The following steps show how you can make a big difference on a small budget.
- Replace old central heating controllers with updated controls which allow you to
heat your home and water in specified 15 minute intervals rather than one hour slots.
- Have your oil or gas boiler serviced annually to ensure it is operating efficiently.
- Fit low energy light bulbs in all appropriate fittings. These bulbs are now available
in a range of shapes and sizes to suit a broad range of lamps and ceiling lights.
- Install cavity and loft insulation. This will reduce the rate of heat loss in your
home so you require less energy.
- Fit a lagging jacket to your hot water cylinder to keep the water hot for longer.
- Seal draughts around doors and windows to prevent the rate of heat loss from your
home.
- If you have to purchase or replace an electrical appliance, consider how efficiently
it runs. Most kitchen appliances carry an energy efficiency label, rated A to G
with an A rating being the most efficient. Over time an 'A' rated appliance can
give you considerable savings on running costs over the life of the appliance.
- A wireless energy meter such as the Efergy energy meter will help you learn about
and manage your energy usage. Energy meters like this are easily fitted by a householder
and are a great way to educate children and adults alike on electricity use, associated
cost and environmental impact around the house.
- You may purchase a multi-socket 'Intelliplug' adapter for your computer. This will
automatically switch off all computer related equipment e.g. printer, scanner, monitor
etc when you shut down your computer.
- Set your computers energy saving settings so it switches off or to low power when
left for a long period.
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Renewable |
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Renewable energy sources include wind power and solar power. |
- Generate your own renewable energy. There are grants available
for householders and community groups to now help fund renewable energy projects.
Further information on the grants available for various technologies can be found
on www.actionrenewables.org or through
our freephone number 0808 141 2020.
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Step by Step Guide
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1 |
Heat or electricity?
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Decide your energy requirements |
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2
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Select Technology
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Heating/Electricity Technologies |
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More
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3
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Getting a Quote
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Written Quotation from installer |
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More
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