How to use less Electricity

Simple energy Saving advice can help you reduce your electricity bills by even more by simply just cutting back on the amount of electricity you use.

We have outlined a few simple every day tips that you can use to help you save energy and of course save money.

Once you get in to a routine of doing these things you will start to notice the difference , your electricity bills will be cheaper and you will be doing your bit for the environment too..

Every day ways to Save Energy

• Do not leave appliances such as TVs, videos, stereos, and computers on standby  ( with the little red light on ) as they still use energy when they are left on. Did you know that almost 85% of the energy used by your DVD player is consumed when it is on standby.
• Put a lid on your sauce pan when you cook as this massively reduces the amount of gas your cooker needs to heat the water
• When filling an electric kettle fill the cup(s) with water and pour this in to the kettle to avoid over filling it.
• Unplug equipment e.g. mobile phones, shavers and electric toothbrushes once they are fully charged, otherwise they will keep drawing electricity. Some more modern chargers will whistle if they are plugged in and not charging , most older types don’t. Just feel yours , if it warm its costing you money.
• When you leave a room turn off the light , this is something my mum used to say to me !!
• Pull the curtains shut to help save the heat escaping from the room in the evenings. Most of the heat you produce leaves to house , the roof and walls are well insulated normally but windows are just glass , the fabric will make a huge difference.
• Only do you washing when you have a full load and use a low temperature program. Two half loads does not equal a full load.
• Try to have more showers than baths as they use 80% less water and take 80% less energy to heat the water
• Turn down your room thermostats by a few degrees will make a big difference in the amount of energy you use.
• Put a jumper on indoors if you feel cold, its easy and cheaper in the long run

Ways to improve your home

Please follow our energy saving advice below to help improve your home to make it more energy efficient.

• Changing your light bulbs to use energy efficient bulbs. These may be more expensive in the short term to buy but they last around 12 times longer and can save you on average £7 a year on your bills for each light you use them in.
• Loft insulation costs from around £150 and could save up to £70 a year. There are a number of grants available in the UK to possibly help you get part payment towards this.
• Draught proofing windows and doors costs from around £40 and could save up to £20 a year on your energy bills.
• Secondary glazing on windows costs from around £120 and could save up to £125 a year
• A simple tip is try filling those gaps under skirting boards and between floorboards with newspaper, or mastic sealant costs from £10 and could save up to £20 a year

Other things to consider is to move your gas and electricity supplier to a new low cost provider , whilst you wont use less energy you will notice up to a 35% savings in your bill. Look at THIS supplier, it one of many but a great place to start.