Energy saving guide
30/06/2010
We hear a lot about energy saving but not everyone realises that having one eye on your energy use helps your pocket as much as the environment.
The Energy Saving Trust has a wealth of information and advice, from big ideas that could shrink the average gas bill to smart little pointers like not overfilling your kettle. Check out www.energysavingtrust.org.uk for a whole range of energy efficiency tips.
In the meantime, we’ve picked out a few suggestions to help you drive down your household's outgoings and make a significant energy saving at the same time.
Fix that dripping tap
A dripping tap wastes about 15 litres of water a day. Replacing a washer will only set you back a few pence, but could save you a lot in wasted water.
Turn down the thermostat
The Energy Saving Trust estimates that turning down your thermostat by just 1°C can save up to 10% on your heating bill each year. Keep radiators clear so the heat can penetrate the room and draw the curtains at night to stop heat escaping.
Insulate your home
Although insulating your home may incur a small cost at first, you will soon make the money back, and more, through reduced energy bills. Start small with draught excluders and a jacket for your water tank. If you can, go all the way with wall and loft insulation too. Insulating your loft could save you over £150 a year.
How does your garden grow?
You might not realise that even the layout of your garden can help you trim a little extra off your average gas bill.
Trees and shrubs can act as natural windbreaks taking the chill off your home in the colder months. But don't let plants block south-facing windows – they let in the most sunlight and can help heat up your house.
Switch off and cash in
One of the simplest energy efficiency tips is to turn electrical appliances off at the socket rather than leaving them on standby. This could save you around £33 a year on your energy bills.
Home improvements
More significant changes to your home could mean even bigger savings. If you don’t have double glazed windows, fitting new energy saving glazing could save you around £140 a year. Upgrading to a condensing boiler with full heating controls could knock £235 off your bill each year. If you’re willing to make that extra step, it’s also worth looking into the various grants and offers available to you – find out more on the Energy Saving Trust website.
One more bright idea
Energy efficient light bulbs can last up to 10 times longer than normal bulbs, each one saving you about £40 over its lifetime. And if you can get into the habit of turning lights off when you leave a room, you’ll save even more.
Finally, if you like the idea of saving money, see how little your home insurance could cost with us. It won’t take much energy to arrange your policy either.
Figures sourced from the Energy Saving Trust, 2010.
