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- On a gas hob the burners are often various sizes. Choose the burner to suit the pan size. If the flames lick up the side of the pan you have the heat to high.
- Electric kettles are far more efficient than using the hotplate for boiling water. Why not try an energy saving kettle.
- Fan Ovens are far more efficient than the conventional ovens as they do not require lengthy preheating and they cook more quickly.
- Electric toasters are more efficient than using the grill.
- Rinse dishes in cold water rather than hot.
- When using dishwashers only use the high temperature wash programs for really dirty dishes and try to use the eco-wash option if possible.
- A energy efficient house should wash at 30° and can then save 40% of the energy per wash. Most modern detergents are designed to still clean effectively at this temperature and your clothes will last longer.
- Always wash with a full load – For smaller loads use the half load/economy option if it’s available on your machine.
- If possible use the washing line or clothes horse for drying clothes, again this will save you money and your clothes will last longer.
- If you need to use a tumble dryer always spin the clothes well before and use the shortest time setting possible.
- Don’t overheat your home – a 1° decrease in your room temperature could reduce your fuel bill by 10% (Ideal Temps are 21° for Living areas and 18° for kitchens and bedrooms).
- Wear a pullover or jumper rather than banging the heat up.
- Turn the heating down rather than opening windows to reduce room temperature.
- Use time controllers on central heating and electric heaters and make sure you really need them on when they are set to come on. Half an hour before room is used is generally enough. And do you really need them on at night when you’re snuggled in your bed?
- Control on/off periods for hot water by timers if you are on electric emersion tanks.
- Use thermostat controls wherever possible to give the required comfort levels.
- If you have water filled radiators, you can increase their effectiveness by attaching reflective panels to the wall behind radiators on the outside walls.
- Close your curtains at dusk too stop heat escaping through the windows.
- Have your boiler serviced regularly it will operate more efficiently and safely. An upgrade to the latest combined heat and power boilers (CHP) may also be worthwhile considering.
- Insulation should be one of the first action undertaken in a eco friendly house to save on energy bills and stop all your precious heat and money from literally disappearing through your roof walls and floors.
- Insulate your loft with a minimum of 270mm fibreglass or maybe try an eco friendly alternative and don’t forget to seal and insulate the loft hatch too.
- If your walls are suitable, cavity wall insulation will substantially reduce heat loss.
- Simple internal secondary glazing can be quite cost effective as an alternative to UPVC double glazing.
- If you have a cellar or wooden floors with a space underneath it may be worthwhile insulating and/or caulking the gaps in the floorboards and gaps between skirting boards and floors.
- A fluorescent fitting in the kitchen gives brighter lighting longer lamp life and reduce running costs. Hopefully soon we shall see rise to a new breed of eco friendly LED lighting.
- Replace older less efficient bulbs with energy saving bulbs they last up to 12 times longer and are far cheaper to run. Newer designs and LED bulbs are now making their way onto the markets that are far brighter than the rather dim energy saving bulbs of the past.
- Always turn off the lights when you leave a room.
- Defrost your fridge and freezer regulary to make them more efficient and save on energy bills.
- Don’t put warm or hot foods straight into the fridge let it cool down first.
- Locate your fridge or freezer in a cool position away from direct sunlight and not next to your cooker or radiators.
- Shower instead of bath – you can have up to five 5 minute showers for the cost of one bath.
- Only use an immersion heater when you need it and make sure your hot water tanks is lagged with a 80mm lagging jacket.
- If your central heating system also heats your hot water, lag the pipes between the boiler and the tank.
- If your hot water tank has a thermostat, set it to no more than 60° C.
- Always try to purchase home appliances with a grade A rating or look for the Energy saving logo.
- Don’t leave things on standby they can use up to a third of the power or use a BYE BYE standby
- Better understand your energy use with an energy saving meter.
- Get a free home energy check here > www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
- Enjoy your creating a eco friendly house after all it benefits your pocket, your environment, other people and life forms that we share our precious planet with. Encourage others to embrace an energy conscious and more eco friendly way of life.
