How to save energy at home?

As energy prices keep on rising, we have some simple energy saving tips that will help you keep the bills down.

LED or energy saving light bulbs

Energy saving light bulbs (CFL's) last up to 10 times as long as traditional incandescent bulbs and use around 80% less energy. A 13-18w energy saving light bulb produces as much light as a traditional 60w bulb. This reduction in energy could save you as much as £60 over the lifetime of the bulb.

The savings with LED are even greater. Replacing a traditional light bulb with an LED of the same brightness will save you about £3 to £6 per year.
By replacing all bulbs in your home with LED alternatives, you could save on average £35 a year on your electricity bills.

Washing machines

Nearly 90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes to heating the water. A 30°C wash could save over a third of the energy you use when compared to washing at higher temperatures.

Tumble dryers

If you need to use a tumble dryer make sure it is full, but don't overload it.  Tumble dryers use a lot of energy, more than most washing machines. It's much cheaper and more environmentally friendly to use a clothes horse or washing line. If you need to use a tumble dryer, make sure you set a fast spin on your washing machine, reducing the amount of water in your clothes and the time taken to dry them in the tumble dry.  

Dishwashers

Using your dishwasher with a half load uses as much energy as one with a full load, so ensure your dishwasher is full before you use it. If possible, stop the dishwasher’s cycle when it gets to the drying stage, open it up, and let the load dry naturally.

Kettles

Only boil the amount of water you need. Over-filling each time wastes energy and money.

Buying a new fridge or freezer?

Modern fridge freezers are more energy efficient and could save you as much as £37 a year.  Look for the energy efficiency logo.

Say goodbye to standby 

Switch them off and unplug them when not in use. You will reduce your carbon footprint and your energy bill at the same time.

Energy efficiency at home is not just great for the environment, it can reduce CO2 emissions.  It’s also great for your pocket saving you money.