Energy Tips and Tricks
Challenge Your Family to See how You can Reduce Energy Costs and Save Money This Year.
Let's look at how the average household can save in one year without sacrificing convenience.
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Energy Tip |
Amount |
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10 lights switched to energy efficient bulbs
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Reducing thermostat temperature by 1 degree
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Unplugging small appliances when not in use |
£15 x 5 appliances = £75 |
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Unplugging electronic chargers when not in use |
£10 x 5 items = £50 |
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Lagging and Jacketing the boiler |
£20 |
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Washing laundry at 40 degrees not 60 |
£12 |
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Total Savings in just one year |
£307! |
The Government wants us to take practical steps to reduce their personal carbon footprint, but why do it for them. Why not make a few changes at home that can save you money on your bills, and help save the planet.
The average household, getting both their gas and electricity from British Gas, spends almost than £1,450 a year. You can't live without amenities, but there are many ways that you can save on both the costs and curb your usage.
Why Not Change Supplier
This is one of the simplest ways of saving money. Many people have had the same supplier for years and are worried about the hassle of switching, but it is actually very simple. Using an online calculator you can compare deals and find the one that best suits your needs. You can also switch on the British Gas website, which only takes around five minutes, and they'll take care of all the paperwork for you.
As well as saving hundreds of pounds each year, you can also switch to a green provider, like the Green Tariff from British Gas that allows you to opt for renewable energy sources. This is an internet only package, so you have to manage your account online, but it cuts out all the waste created by paper bills.
Take showers not baths
According to the BMA, simply taking showers instead of baths saves you a whopping 40 per cent less water.
And while you can't switch your water supplier, you can switch to a water meter so that you only pay for the water that you actually use. This could save you lots of money, and helps you to keep an eye on your spending, so you're less likely to waste water.
Turn your heating down
Reduce the temperature in your home by just one degree and the only place you will notice the difference is in your bank account. According to the Energy Savings Trust (EST) this strategy will reduce your bill by 10%, saving you around £50 per year.
Energy Saving Bulbs
Using energy saving light bulbs instead of traditional ones can save you £7 a year on each bulb. And while they are more expensive, they last around 10 times longer, so don't need to be replaced as often.
Switch them off
According to Friends of the Earth (FoE) 2006, your appliances still use around 70 per cent of their usual energy when left on standby, so by turning them off the wall you can stop wasting all that energy and save around £15 a year.
Lag your Tank
Spending just £10 on a boiler jacket, and £3 a meter to lag the pipe from your boiler to the hot water tank could save you between £15 and £20 a year. (FoE, 2006)
Bleed your radiators
Releasing trapped air from your radiators is quick and easy and makes them perform better, saving you money on wasted energy.
Unplug chargers/Switch off
Leaving your phone, laptop or iPod charger plugged in when you're not using them wastes around £10 a year for each appliance. Plus leaving your appliances on standby wastes around 3% of the energy in most homes.
Insulate your home
The average uninsulated, three bedroom, gas heated house wastes 60p from every £1 spent on heating (EST, 2006). So while this might seem like a pricy option, it is actually a huge energy saver. Installing loft insulation can save you up to 25 per cent off your annual heating bill, while wall cavity insulation can save a massive 33 per cent. (FoE, 2006)
As this can be expensive, it's always a good idea to check with your local authority to see if they're offering any grants towards the cost.
How old is your Boiler?
After 10 years, your boiler starts to lose efficiency, wasting gas and money. Look into getting it replaced, and opt for an "A" rated one when you do so. It will use less energy and be more environmentally friendly. British Gas often has sales on their boilers, so check out their website. You should also choose "A" rated appliances whenever you buy a new washing machine, dryer or fridge. They are more expensive that lower grade machines, but are cheaper to run and better for the planet
Money saving tip of the week:
Most modern powders allow you to wash laundry at 40 not 60 degrees in an A-rated machine and you could save around £12 per year.
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