Energy saving tips
Click the numbers to find our helpful energy saving tips.
1
Loft insulation
A well insulated loft keeps the heat in – like wearing a warm coat on a freezing cold day. Your loft should have 270mm of insulation (about 12 inches), any less, and your expensively bought heat will leak out, costing you money and making your home colder.
For more information on loft insulation call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on
0800 512 012.
2
Solar panel
The sun can pre-heat your water or generate electricity. Renewable energy isn’t right for every home, but can be a money saver and cut carbon.
For more information on domestic renewable energy call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on
0800 512 012.
3
Draught-proofed windows
Double glazing cuts heat and could knock around £140 a year off your heating bills. But it’s expensive and may not be worth it in your particular case. ‘Secondary glazing’ is where a second layer of glass or clear plastic is fitted inside an existing window frame behind the existing pane of window glass; it is cheaper to install but not so effective.
For more information on draught-proofing call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on
0800 512 012.
4
Insulated hot water tank
Most hot water tanks fitted in the last 20 years will have been ‘factory insulated’ and are probably OK in terms of insulation. If your hot water tank is either un-insulated or has a badly fitting old lagging jacket then you should definitely replace it. New jackets are cheap and you’ll save money quickly.
For more information on insulation call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on
0800 512 012.
5
Radiator controls
Thermostatic radiator valves allow you to have different temperatures in different rooms, and to turn off the heating in rooms that aren't used. They’ll reduce your heating bill and save you money.
For more information on home heating call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on
0800 512 012.
6
Cavity wall insulation
If your home has cavity walls, they should be insulated. This will save you around £160 a year on your fuel bills and make your home more snug. There are also ways to insulate solid walls, but it is more expensive.
For more information on wall insulation call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on 0800 512 012.
7
Heating controls
Heating controls allow you to choose when the heating is on, how warm it is, and where you want the warmth. They will also make sure that your boiler is only turned on when it needs to be. They can save you around 17% of your heating bill.
For more information on boilers call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on
0800 512 012.
8
Energy efficient boiler
Old boilers are not energy efficient and if yours is more than 15 years old, you should consider replacing it for a modern condensing boiler.
For more information on boilers call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on
0800 512 012.
9
Low-energy light bulbs
Five low-energy light bulbs use about the same amount of electricity as just one ordinary bulb, so they can shave a lot off your electricity bill. What’s more, they last up to 10 times longer, saving up to £45 over each bulb’s lifetime.
For more information on low-energy light bulbs call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on
0800 512 012. 0800 512 012.
10
Draught-proofed doors
What’s coming through your door? Keep out those icy winds with brush seals and draught strips for your front and back doors. Don’t forget your letterboxes and keyholes, and you can also plug the gaps between floorboards and around skirting boards.
For more information on draught-proofing call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on
0800 512 012.
11
TV not standing-by
Don't leave your TV, computers or other equipment on standby – switch off at the plug. And remember not to leave laptops and mobile phones on charge unnecessarily.
For more information on energy saving call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on
0800 512 012.
12
A-rated fridge and other appliances
If you’re replacing your fridge, freezer, washing machine, dish-washer or kettle, look for the Energy Efficiency Recommended logo. A-rated appliances will save a lot of money. Your fridge is on all day, every day, so you want it to run as efficiently as possible.
For more information on energy efficient appliances call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on
0800 512 012.
13
Wise washing
If possible, fill up your washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher; one full load uses less energy than two half loads.
For more information on energy efficient appliances call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on
0800 512 012.
14
Hanging out in the sun
Give your tumble drier a rest and dry your laundry the Mediterranean way. The sun and wind will do the job for free!
For more information on energy efficient appliances call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on
0800 512 012.
15
Smarter driving
You can cut your petrol consumption a lot by adopting a smarter driving style: keeping your speed down, driving smoothly, not carrying junk in your boot and avoiding unnecessary journeys.
For more information on smart driving call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on
0800 512 012.
16
Pedal power
More people are taking to their bikes every day. It’s cheap, healthy and quick, and cuts the parking hassle.
For more information on low-carbon travel call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on
0800 512 012.