Useful Tips

Energy Saving In the Home

20% of your energy bills can be saved every year by taking some simple actions described here:

Efficient Lighting

• Use energy efficient light bulbs (CFLs) instead of traditional bulbs. They use 1/5th energy and last up to 10 times as long.
• Turn off lights in empty rooms and corridors; this can save up to 15% of your lighting bill. Use just the light you need.
• Clean light fittings annually; dirt reduces lighting efficiency.

Heating & Hot Water

• Too hot? Set the thermostat to 19°C; Costs rise by 8% for every 1°C increase.
• Reduce heating when you are away from the house, for example holidays and weekends.
• Fit a lagging jacket – lagging your hot water cylinder will keep the water hotter for longer and pay for itself in 2-3 months.
• Fit an insulated jacket and cover on your cold water tank. Prevents cold water tank freezing and dirt and dust out of tank.
• Fit reflective panels behind radiators on outer walls
• Keep radiators clear, don’t block radiators with furniture; it reduces efficiency and output.
• Keep windows closed in cold weather. If you are too warm, turn the heating down instead.
• Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.
• Hot water: Of course it should be hot, but it doesn’t need to be scalding. Exposure to water at 55°C will cause 3rd degree burns in less than a minute. Setting the cylinder thermostat at 60°C max is easily hot enough for bathing and washing.

Draughts and Insulation

• Insulate your attic and walls – attic & wall insulation will keep the heat in your home for longer and pay for itself in 2-3 years.
• To eliminate draughts and wasted heat use an easy-to-fit brush or PVC seal on your exterior doors.
• Stop draughts and heat escaping through floorboards and skirting boards by filling gaps with beading or sealant.
• Seal the attic access hatch with an insulated loft access hatch.
• Block up unused chimneys or use a chimney balloon to prevent heat escaping from room

Household Appliances

• Use an eco kettle that allows you to only boil as much water as you need
• Use a microwave instead of the oven and the toaster instead of the grill when possible
• Televisions, videos, stereos, and computers: Cut down on wasted energy, by switching appliances off completely rather than leaving them on standby. Use power saver strips to turn off multiple appliances with the push of a button