Energy Saving Tips
Change Domestic Energy Suppliers
Since the changing of energy supplies from being nationalised to private industry there has been healthy competition in the market. This is there for everyone to exploit, but a lot of people are not taking advantage. Changing suppliers is very easy, and can even be done online. Many people either feel that they are getting the best deal from there supplier, think they should remain loyal, or think that it is a lot of hassle to change suppliers, but this is often not the case. Just check out the various comparison websites on the Internet and see how much you could save, and how easy it is to change suppliers.
Heating Of The House And Water
We can save money by doing some simple things in the house. Always make sure you close your curtains at dusk to help keep the heat from escaping through the windows. Turning the heating thermostat down by one degree can save £55 per year. Your thermostat on your hot water cylinder should be at 60 degrees for the best efficiency.
Ways To Use Less Electricity
When you stop and think, there are so many common sense ways to use less electricity in your home. Firstly always make sure you only boil enough water for what you need when using the kettle, as kettles are one of the highest consumers in the house. At night turn off TVs, and sky boxes etc off standby. This not only saves you money, but also significantly reduces the risk of fire. Never leave laptops plugged in when not using them, and try to use the battery when in use rather than keeping them plugged in. When you charge mobile phones make sure you take them of charge as soon as they are fully charged. Always try and fully fill washing machines, tumble dryers, and dishwashers as one full load uses a lot less energy than two half loads.
Lighting is often one of the highest factors in energy misuse, always make sure lights are switched off when not in use. Energy saving bulbs should be fitted in all lighting in the house. If you like to leave a light on at night when you go out for security purposes make sure you have a small lamp with an energy saving bulb installed, never leave the main room light on. Spotlight light fittings are very popular today, and the most common bulbs for these are halogen, especially the GU10 size which are usually 50 watts. With the advancement in light emitting diodes (LED) bulbs are now available and consume far less electricity. For example a GU10 LED bulb can generate the equivalent light of a 50 watt halogen bulb, but only using 13 watts. LED bulbs will also last 35 times longer than a halogen bulb. So don't be put off by the initial cost of LED bulbs, in the long run they are great moneysavers.
For more information about energy saving in the home visit the Energy Saving Trust website or contact us below.
