Energy Saving Tips
AnnaHughes
2015-09-15T10:00:40+00:00
Your energy saving checklist. Simple ways to cut your energy bills.
- use the right size pan and hob ring for the job
- keep lids on pans to reduce heat loss and turn down the heat at boiling point
- defrost food in the fridge overnight rather than microwaving
- keep the oven door closed as much as possible; every time you open the door you lose heat
- only boil the water you need in your kettle, and descale it regularly
- make sure air can circulate around the back of your fridge and freezer
- don’t keep the fridge or freezer door open for longer than necessary
- don’t have the fridge or freezer next to a heat source such as a cooker, radiator or direct sunlight Bathroom
- turn off the tap when brushing teeth to save money on water bills
- fix any leaking pipes to prevent unnecessary water loss
- put on an extra layer of clothing before turning up the heating
- clear a space around your sockets for ease of switching off at the plug, or purchase a standby energy-saving device
- if you are going on holiday, switch off your television and set-top box at the plug
- get into the habit of turning off the television at the plug or on the set, and not leaving it on standby
- mains controllers are available that work by remote control
- remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room to save energy
- fit draught excluders to doors to reduce heat loss
- a curtain over the front door helps keep out draughts
- don’t leave the front door open any longer than necessary
- use a low-tog duvet in summer and a high-tog one in winter to avoid unnecessary use of heating and air conditioning
- wear socks in bed in cold weather to keep toasty
- use a hot water bottle rather than an electric blanket
- keep extra blankets by the bed to adjust your temperature during the night
- fit draught excluders to the bedroom door to retain heat
- use the highest spin speed to reduce drying time, and dry washing on an outside line rather than tumble dry
- hang or fold your clothes as soon as they are dry to reduce the need for ironing
- re-wear clothes where possible to reduce your washing load