ENERGY SAVING TIPS
Twelve Energy Saving Ideas
Half the heat and more is lost through walls and the roof. Therefore, for cavity wall homes consider have them filled, ensure you have adequate insulation in your loft and for solid wall homes you can insulate on a DIY basis using Sempatap Thermal.
Turn your thermostat down. Reducing your room temperature by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10 percent. You could save around £40 per year.
Is your water too hot? Your cylinder thermostat shouldn't need to be set higher than 60°C/140°F. (But keep it above 55°C to stop legionella growing in the system). Invest in a lagging jacket for your hot water tank and insulate your pipes.
Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows. Do not drape curtains over the radiators, this will funnel heat straight out of the window. Install Sempatherm radiator insulation panels to reduce heat loss and lower bills by 12-15%.
Don't leave appliances on standby - turn them off at the plug instead. Standby can use as much as 60% of the electricity that would be used if it was switched on and remember not to leave appliances like phones on charge unnecessarily.
If you're not filling up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, use the half-load or economy programme. Using a 40°C wash cycle rather than 60°C means that you use a third less electricity.
Only boil a kettle with as much water as you need (but remember to cover the elements if you're using an electric kettle). Cover pots and pans when cooking – they will boil a lot quicker.
Switch to energy saving light bulbs. Just one 20W bulb can save you £60.00 in its lifetime, compared to a 100W standard bulb and they can last up to 15 times longer and always turn off the lights when you leave a room.
Defrost fridges and freezers regularly to keep them running efficiently. Do not put hot or warm food straight into the fridge and always position your fridge or freezer away from cookers or radiators.
Shower rather than bath, it uses less energy and water. Repair dripping taps quickly, in just one week enough hot water would be wasted to fill a bath. Always ensure that taps are fully tuned off.
When purchasing household electrical appliances such as fridges, freezers or washing machines aim to buy A or A+ rated and always look out for the Energy Saving Trust “Recommended” logo.
Put draught strips around windows and outside doors and put a flap across the letter-box. Stop draughts and heat loss up chimneys with a Sempaflue chimney balloon .
