Ways to Save Energy and Money

Most households can save a substantial amount on fuel bills by using energy in an efficient way, and can be warmer and healthier as a result.

Windows, doors and draught proofing 

If you can feel cold air coming in around the windows, under the doors or through the floor in your home it means warm air is escaping. Draught proofing fills the gaps and decreases the amount of colder air coming into your house. Draught proofing is an easy, cost effective way to reduce heating bills and most materials are available from DIY stores.

  • Double-glazing stops heat escaping and can reduce condensation on your windows and can be an effective way to make savings on fuel bills in the long term. It can also reduce outside noise considerably. Glazing is expensive. If you have to replace windows anyway, it would be a good idea to choose double-glazing
  • Secondary glazing is cheaper than replacement double-glazing and can be bought from DIY shops. Savings are similar to those made by double-glazing.
  • A low cost temporary alternative to buying new glazing is to tape polythene across your existing windows. You can use cling film or buy special products from a DIY store.
  • Close curtains at dusk to keep the heat
  • Draughts around doors can be easily stopped, DIY stores stock a variety of easy to apply draught excluders. These incluse brushes to fix at the bottom of doors, foam tape for around the door frames and letter box brushes. 

Lights and Appliances

Using your appliances more efficiently can help reduce climate change effects, save water and save you money

  • Turn off lights and appliances when not in use
  • Use low energy light bulbs - they last up to 10 times as long and use a quarter of the electricity
  • Ask about the "energy rating" when buying new appliances. If you are buying a new appliance such as a washing machine, tumble dryer or fridge look for the labels which identify energy-efficient products. There are two main labeling schemes;-
    • the Energy Saving Recommended logos
    • and the European Union (EU) Energy label which rates products for energy efficiency from A to G. ‘A’ rated appliances are the most energy efficient. 
  • Always wait until you have a full load before operating the washing machine or if you have to wash a half load make sure you use the half load setiing on your washing machine
  • Use a 30 degree wash whenever possible, washing detergents are now designed to work at these lower temeratures so your clothes will be just as clean as higher temperatures
  • Whenever possible dry your clothes outside, this uses the natural and free energy sources of the sun and wind to dry your clothes
  • Don't overfill the kettle, only fill the kettle with as much as you need to use 

Heating and Hot Water

The majority of domestic energy use comes from heating and hot water systems, making improvements can not only save you money but keep you warmer.

  • Ensure thermostats and controllers are correctly set, hot water cylinders should be set at 60 degrees and comfortable room temperature should be in the range of 18 - 21 degrees (comfortable room temperature is different for everyone, do not turn your thermostat down if this will make you cold - looks for other ways to save energy and money)
  • Ensure your hot water cylinder is insulated
  • Showers use less water and much less energy than taking a bath
  • Upgrade your heating controls. A timer switch or programmer allows you to set heating and hot water to come on only at times when needed. Room thermostats which automatically switch the heating off at a certain temperature will also save energy.
  • As much as 70% of the heat produced by radiators can be lost into the walls. Fitting radiator panels can dramatically increase the warmth of the room. They are easy to fit, simply cut to size and stick in the gap between the radiator and wall.
  • Individual radiator thermostats can be fitted which allow you to control each room's temperature separately
  • Avoid putting furniture in front of radiators as this blocks heat radiating into the room

If you would like information on any of the ideas on this page or have any questions regarding energy efficiency or keeping warmer

Telephone 0115 947 2207