top energy saving tips

Here are some useful tips to save energy in the home:

1. Draught-proof your home:
   • Loft hatches – use draught proofing strips to prevent heat loss – this is essential as hot air rises
   • Doors – fit brushes or foam strips, key hold covers, letterbox brushes or flaps
   • Windows – use lined or thermal curtains and blinds. Use draught proofing strips to fill any gaps at your window.
   • Floorboards and skirting boards – block any cracks with filler
   • But remember that good ventilation is important to reduce condensation and damp - particularly in kitchen, bathrooms and utility rooms. Good ventilation is essential where there are open fires or flues.
2. Get the temperature right. Main occupied rooms should average 21°C. In other rooms (bedrooms, bathrooms, hallway etc) an average of 18°C is recommended.
   
3. Homes with a hot-water tank or cylinder should have at least 8cm (3 inches) of insulation. This keeps the water hotter for longer and reduces heating costs. Fit a thermostat to a hot water tank (if not already fitted) – this should be set to 63°C (140°F).
4. Check that both your heating and hot water only come on when you need it. Be sure to adjust the time intervals if your daily routine changes.
5. Only turn up the ‘boost’ on storage heaters when the room is cold. Otherwise, keep the ‘boost’ turned down low – this way the heat generated is stored in the heater and released steadily throughout the day/night.
6. Chimneys and fireplaces – if the fireplace is unused, save heating costs by:
• Fitting a cap over the chimney pot
• Use a chimney balloon (an inflatable balloon which sits in the chimney cavity). It can be removed and reused.
7. Use low energy light bulbs – they hardly ever need replacing and really reduce your electricity costs
8. Switch off lights when you leave the room
9. Switch off appliances (TV, DVD player, laptop etc) instead of leaving them on standby
10. If you need to replace any of your appliances, buy the most energy efficient you can afford
    

Energy Saving Advice Leaflets

• Cutting Cooking, Fridge and Freezer Costs (PDF)
• Cutting Lighting, Washing and Drying Costs (PDF)
• Energy and Money Saving Tips (PDF)