Energy saving tips

Following increases in energy prices over the last few years, most of us are motivated by the need to reduce our energy bills and save money.

• Switch electrical appliances off fully when they’re not in use rather than leaving them on standby, this can save you up to £30 a year!
• Switching lights off when you leave a room can save you £10 a year
• Only boil as much water as you need in the kettle when making a cup of tea
• Recycle your bottles, cans, jars, paper and cardboard to reduce landfill waste and save energy
• Turn your heating thermostat down by a degree or two and make sure your hot water temperature is set no higher than 60oC/140oF. Turning down your heating by 1oC can reduce your bills by as much as 10% and typically save you £50 a year
• Look for the blue ‘Energy Saving Recommended’ logo when buying new electrical appliances to find the most efficient type
• Take a shower rather than a bath and save as much as 50 litres of water per shower
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and save as much as five litres of water per minute
• Always ensure you have a completely full load before using your washing machine or dishwasher
• Wash your hands, dirty pots or vegetables in a bowl of water rather than under a running tap
• Install a water butt to capture rainwater for use on your garden, washing your car or even flushing your toilet