Energy Saving Tips
Turn off appliances on standby.
Avoid ‘Phantom Power’ this is where your electronics are using power even when they are not in use. Use a power strip which means that at night or when you leave the house, you can easily unplug your devices at once.
Your kitchen can be the hottest room when cooking
The kitchen can be the warmest room in the house when cooking. Turn off the radiator when the hob/oven are on.
Reduce the temperature to save on your bill
Lowering the temperature setting in your home by just 1 degree can save you as much as 10% on your energy bills.
Use LED Light Bulbs
Did you know lighting can use more that 5% of the energy consumed in your home? The easiest way to introduce energy efficient lighting to your property is to replace every bulb as they expire with a top energy rated bulb
Windows
Most heat loss from a house occurs through its windows. Even if your windows are double glazed and sealed, make sure you have lined curtains, and close them after dark, even in empty rooms. Ensure the curtains don’t cover a radiator.
Replace window seals
Around your window frames there is a sealant (caulk) and/or a strip of foam or plastic (known as weatherstripping). Over time, gaps appear causing heat to escape, so check if yours need replacing.
Check your fridge-freezer is efficient
Ensuring it runs efficiently can be a big help when it comes to saving energy, the ideal temperature for a fridge is between 3°C to 5°C.
Oven Trays
Don’t go for metal trays in the oven. Use glass of ceramic dishes in the oven wherever possible because they retain heat better than metal trays. Making them the most energy-efficient option.
Oven Cooking
Use your oven efficiently - cook items all together. The top of the oven is hotter, and the bottom is colder, so you can cook things at different temperatures simultaneously. Refrain from opening the door to avoid letting heat escape
Radiator Heat Reflectors
Radiator heat reflector foil helps keep the heat in your home. The foil is easily fitted and reflects warmth to increase heating efficiently. The foil can be picked up from most hardware stores for a small cost and reduce heat loss by up to 35%.
Washing Machines & Dryers
Fill up the machine - larger loads are more efficient - and use the lowest temperature possible. Use your dryer sparingly - dry outside as a rule, with the dryer as a backup. Use when there is lower energy demand between 7-9 in the morning and 5-7 at night
Energy Labels
Upgrade to A-rated appliances. An A rated appliance uses about 55% less electricity than a similar D rated appliance.
Service your boiler
Having your boiler serviced once a year will make it more reliable, safer and run more efficiently. When you are having your boiler serviced ask your plumber to explain the settings and how to use them correctly.
Cooking: Lids & Hobs
Don’t let the heat escape cover your pots and pans with a lid. The lid keeps the heat in and reduces condensation in the kitchen. Use the right sized hob for your pan – the closer the match, the less energy you use.
Dishwashers
Running at a lower temperature setting will save on your energy costs, as most of the energy used is for water heating. Try to use when there is lower energy demand between 7-9 in the morning and 5-7 at night
Insulation
Think about adding layers to your attic insulation if it's less than 200mm. While your hot water tank should always have a lagging jacket, cylinder factory applied insulation is much more efficient than a lagging jacket, and not easily damaged or pulled off.
