Top Tips to safe money
Top Tips for saving money and the environment
Choose energy efficient products over standard efficiency models. An 'A' or 'B' rated appliance will use less energy compared to a 'D' or lower rated appliance and reduce your fuel bills. Always try to buy the highest rated product you can afford.
Turning down your room thermostat can mean big savings without leaving you cold - decreasing the temperature by only one degree can save you up to 10% on your heating bill.
By insulating your loft and cavity wall space you can make your home more energy efficient and save up to 60% on your heating bills.
Changing from an old standard efficiency boiler to an 'A' rated condensing boiler can save up to 30% on your fuel bills.
Upgrading your heating controls will give you better control of your heating system and can reduce your heating costs by up to 17%.
Check the energy ratings of components in your system. For example many pump manufacturers now use the EU Energy Labeling scheme on their products, so if you need to replace the pump, using an energy efficient model can save you money on your bills.
Upgrading your hot water cylinder to a pre-insulated model with a high recovery coil (heat exchanger) will make your hot water system more efficient. Alternatively fitting a new lagging jacket to your hot water cylinder will make it more efficient.
Insulating your pipes will make them more efficient and protect against freezing.
Change energy supplier - shopping around can save you money on your fuel bills.
Make sure your heating system is serviced annually so that it works to the best of its ability. Problems such as corrosion will make your heating system less energy efficient and cost you money.
Dripping taps waste water - up to 30 litres a day - and waste your money. They are also a sure sign your plumbing system is in need of maintenance, don't ignore the problem get it fixed.
Using a water saving flush, dual flush system, or water saving device in your W.C. can greatly reduce the amount of water you use and your water bills.
Don't leave the tap running while you brush your teeth - a family of four can save 220 buckets of water a month by turning the tap off.
Having a shower instead of a bath will help to decrease the amount of water you use.
Washing your car with buckets of water opposed to using a hose will help water conservation.
Taps which use a spray pattern will consume up to 80% less water compared to traditional taps.
Washing your clothes at 40°C instead of 60°C can use up to a third less energy.
Use appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers economically. Try not to use it unless you have a full load. Alternatively use an economy or 'half-load' setting if you are not filling the machine.
Turn off appliances/light bulbs after you use them. Appliances unnecessarily left on standby or left on charge waste over £740 million worth of energy and result in over four million tonnes of excess carbon dioxide emissions every year.
Use energy saving light bulbs - each energy efficient light bulb you use can save you up to £7 per year on your electricity bill.
Although draughts can be a nuisance, do not cover ventilation in rooms with boilers or gas fires, as these appliances require this ventilation for safe operation.
Open curtains on sunny days to allow a natural source of heat and light into rooms, and at night close curtains to conserve heat.
Do not cover radiators with curtains. This is uneconomical as modern radiators provide heat by convection as well as radiation, so by covering the radiator you will be impeding its performance