Excessive energy usage not only costs a lot of money, but it uses up a valuable amount of natural resources. By making small changes, you can reduce the amount of energy you use and support the environment.
Here are some handy hints:
- Turn it down! Many homes have their central heating set higher than needed. Try turning your thermostat down by one degree. Leave it for a day and if you still feel warm, try turning it down again. Every degree that you turn down on your thermostat could save you around £65 a year on your heating bill!
- Turn it off! Make sure your lights, appliances and chargers are off and unplugged when you are not using them. Even if your appliances are plugged in but the switch is not on, energy can still be used.
- Careful in the kitchen! Be smart with how you use your kitchen appliances. Set your washing machine to wash at 30°C, clothes will still be cleaned. Only use your Energy Saving Trust Recommended tumble dryer when you can’t dry your clothes outside. Don’t fill your kettle to the max every time, only boil the amount of water you need.
- Clean up your bath times! Take a shower instead of a bath. You will use less water and less energy to heat it. Why not get an eco showerhead?
- Switch your supplier! OFGEM reported that nearly three million people switched their gas and electric suppliers in early 2018. You can save a large amount of money finding a supplier that is right for you.
- Ditch that old appliance! Good quality appliances can last for years, but they do need replacing when they get old. When choosing new appliances, look for the Energy Star label, as it shows the appliances energy rating, and will help you find the product.
- Lighten your load! You can now get LED spotlights that are bright enough to replace halogen lights, as well as regular energy saving bulbs. Look for the Energy Saving Trust Recommended logo to be sure you chose the best bulbs.
