Archive - Energy Tips

Take control of your heating – don’t just leave it on the timer. Only turn it on when you feel cold and turn it off again a soon as you feel warm  Always turn lights off when leaving the roomGet individual thermostats for each radiator – and then tweak them so that you’ve got the right temperature in each room. Turn off radiators in empty rooms.Insulate your loft. It’s easy and it’s subsidised – or free if you’re on benefits. Call the local energy action centre on 0800 512 012.Use energy-saving light bulbs — they use 80% less electricity and last 12 times longer than ordinary bulbs. Keep things in use for longer: buy things that are made to last  Fit draught proofing strips around all windows and external doors, and on the attic hatch if you have one. As well using less energy, you’ll be more comfortable without the draughtsRide your bike to the shops. It makes you feel good, is free to park, and doesn’t get stuck in traffic jams.Eat organic food. Because artificial fertilizer is made from oil, this leads to a big energy saving.Turn off the oven and things boiling on the stove five minutes before you need them and let them cook in the residual heat Defrost your freezer regularly and dust the coils on both fridge and freezer. Your appliances will last longer as well as working more efficiently.Turn off your lights when you leave a room and turn off electrical appliances at the mains. Standby can use between 30% and 70% of the energy used when an appliance is onThink before you throw it away. Join www.freecyle.org and give things you no longer need a new lease of lifeKeep your top speed to 70mph on the motorway. If you go faster than this your fuel costs can increase by 4p a mile Wash your clothes at 30 degKeep things in use for longer: explore ebay and charity shops to see if you can find what you’re looking for second hand. Recycle 'grey' water from baths and washing machines. Grow fruit and vegetables in your garden — reducing food milesHang your clothes out to dry on the washing line  Put a lid on your saucepans and you will save energy (and money) with every meal   Make use of natural water supplies by using waterbutts to collect from you downpipes. These are often sold, at reduced prices, by local councils and water companies. Buy the most energy-efficient electrical appliance model when looking to replace one. See http://www.energysavingtrust.org.ukWork from home one day a week and save all the energy you burn commuting to workInsulate your wall cavities and fit aluminium foil behind your radiators.Turn down your central heating thermostat — lowering the temperature by just a degree can cut 10% off energy bills