Energy Saving Tips

In a world full of waste, we have outlined some energy savings measures that anyone could take that would not only to save our environment but the money in your pockets.

- Insulate your home. If you have cavity walls have them insulated.

- Lag pipes and tanks with specialist lagging. The cost lagging a hot water tank can reduce the amount of heat lost.

- Close your curtains especially if they have been interlined as soon as it becomes dark. - Turn your thermostat down by 1 degree.

- Wash your clothes at a lower temperature rather than washing items at 40 or above degrees.

- When there is an opportunity to dry your clothes outside do so, rather than using a tumble dryer. If you need to dry indoors, use a clothes horse in a suitable room.

- If you must use your tumble dryer, use DryerBalls to reduce your drying time and save on fabric conditioner.

See Our Eco Friendly Selection

- Wash only full loads in your dishwasher or washing machine.

- Use low energy light bulbs.

See Our Energy Saving Bulbs Selection

- Draught excluders are great for plugging up any gaps around window, doors or letter boxes.

- When you need to change appliances, choose energy-efficient ones with A+ or A++ rating.

- If you need a cup of tea, only boil as much water as you need at the time.

- Don’t leave appliances on standby, switch them off. Alternatively invest in a special standby plug that will do the job for you.

- Only use your car to make essential journeys.

- Monitor your energy consumption using smart meter.

- Use Rechargeable Batteries.

- Consider wind up gadgets or solar power as an alternative.

- Turn off lights when leaving a room.

- Stop junk mail using the Mailing Preference Service (http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/mps); Freepost 22, London W1E 7EZ; Tel 0207 291 3310.

- Check the hot water thermostat setting – 60°C is the recommended satisfactory level. The higher the temperature, the more heat escapes.

- Solar panel-based hot water heating systems can be installed with a grant from around £2500.

- Take showers instead of a bath.

- When cooking use the right size saucepan for the food and cooker hob.

- Keep saucepan lids on - this enables you to turn down the heat.

- Don't use more water than you need.

- Use a toaster rather than the grill to make toast.

- Avoid over-filling the kettle for just one drink but be sure to cover the element.