No cost - be more energy efficient without spending a penny
Here are some no cost measures that you can take in the home to become more energy efficient:
- Central Heating
Too warm? Turn down the room thermostat down by 1°C. It could cut your heating bills by 10%. Remember if you are going away from home during the winter leave the thermostat on a low setting to provide protection from freezing at minimum cost.
- Hot water
Water needs to be hot but never scalding. For most people setting the cylinder thermostat at 60°C/140°F is fine for bathing and washing.
- Curtains
Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.
- Lights
Always turn lights off when you leave a room - and adjust your curtains or blinds to let in as much light as possible during the day.
- Televisions, stereos, computers, cordless phones
To cut down on wasted energy, avoid leaving appliances on standby and remember not to leave appliances on charge unnecessarily. Check the operation manual to make sure this will not reset the appliances memory.
- Fridges and freezers
Don't leave the fridge or freezer door open for longer than necessary, as cold air will escape. Avoid putting hot or warm food straight into the fridge or freezer; allow it to call down first. Defrost your freezer regularly to keep it running efficiently and cheaply. If it tends to frost up quickly check the door seal. And if you have to site your fridge or freezer next to a cooker or boiler; leave a good gap between them.
- Washing Machines and tumble dryers
Always wash a full load - and if you can't use a half load or economy programme if your machine has one. Always use the low temperature programme bearing in mind that with modern washing powders this will be just as effective. And don't put really wet clothes in the tumble dryer; wring them out or spin them first. They will dry much faster and save you money.
- Dishwashers
Always wash a full load - and if you can't use a half load or economy programme if your machine has one. Also try using the low temperature programme.
- Pots and pans
Choose the right size pan for the food and cooker (the base should just cover an electric cooking ring) and keep lids on when cooking.
- Kettles
Heat the amount of water you really need - and if you are using an electric kettle, make sure you cover the elements. Jug-type kettles need less water as they have smaller elements.
- Taps
In just one day, a dripping hot water tap can waste energy and enough water to fill a bath. make sure they're off.
Low cost energy efficiency measures
These measures do cost money but they can save you a lot in the future
- Energy Efficient Lightbulbs
If you use a particular lightbulb for an average of four hours or more a day, then replace it with and energy-saving equivalent - which will use around quarter of the electricity. They are now available in a range of shapes and sizes, last 8 to 10 times longer than a conventional bulb and will save approximately £60 over their lifetime.
Cost: around £4 depending on type
- Exterior doors
To eliminate draughts and wasted heat use an easy-to-fix brush or PVC seal on your exterior doors. Remember however that ventilation is equally important, especially if you have open fires, gas fires or a boiler with a flue. And if you have a chimney get it swept regularly and check your airbricks for blockages.
Cost: around £5
- Hot water tanks
An insulating jacket for your hot water cylinder costs just a few pounds, and will pay for itself within months. Fit a British Standard jacket that's at least 75mm thick.
Cost: around £10
Saving: £10-£15 per year
- Hot water pipes
Always insulate your hot water pipes to stop heat escaping from them.
Cost: around £1 per metre
Savings: around £5 per year
- Showers
An ordinary shower uses only two-fifths of the hot water needed for a bath. If you don't have a shower why not buy special attachments for your bath taps?Cost: around £5
- Letterboxes and keyholes
Letterboxes and keyholes can let in draughts. Fit a nylon brush seal or a spring flap, and put a cover over the key hole.
Cost: around £5
- Floorboards and skirting boards
Stop draughts and heat escaping by filling gaps under skirting boards, with newspaper, beading or sealant.
Cost: around £5
- Windows
Make sure your windows are draught proofed. A low cost short-term alternative to double glazing is to tape polythene across window frames. You can buy special products from DIY stores.
Cost: around £10