30 Energy-Saving Tips

We could probably all do a little bit more to save energy around the house, so here are 30 easy tips that most of us could try. See if it makes a difference to your energy bill...

Lowering your thermostat by one degree could save you £60 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
You could save money and energy by lowering the temperature of your hot water at home too (should be around 60°C).
Buy a timer for your boiler so that it turns on and off at specific times.
Curtains keep the warmth in, so close them properly when it's cold and dark.
Get into the habit of switching off lights in rooms that you're not using.
Another good habit to get into is unplugging your electrical equipment and not leaving it on standby - and not leaving phone or laptop/tablet chargers plugged in when not in use.
Try to wait until you have a full load of washing before using your washing machine or tumble dryer, because it uses more energy to do two small washes.
Fix leaking taps as they can apparently lose enough water to half-fill a bath in just one week, according to the Energy Saving Trust. This is even more urgent if it's a hot water tap.
Energy-saving light bulbs last up to ten times as long as standard bulbs; replacing old bulbs could save you a fair bit of money as well as energy.
Use draught excluders if you have gaps at the bottom of your doors or around your windows. Draught-proofing can save £55 a year on energy bills.
Only boil as much water as you need when cooking food or making a brew.
Walk your kids to school wherever possible instead of driving them.
Recycle card, plastic, cans, bottles, newspapers, etc.
Encourage other people in your house to get into the recycling habit too.
Use reusable nappies instead of disposable - disposable nappies are a relatively new invention.
Get together with other mums for babies'/kids' clothes-swapping parties.
Buy second-hand or vintage clothes online or in second-hand/charity shops.
Try one of the many energy-saving gadgets out there.
Newer boilers are more energy-efficient than older ones, so a new one could save you money in the long term - if you are going to stay in that home for some time.
Loft insulation and cavity wall insulation reduce the amount of heat (and money) leaving your home through the walls and roof.
You might qualify for energy-saving grants or bursaries if you are in receipt of some benefits or on a low income. Click here to find out more.
Invest in double glazing if you can, or look into energy-saving film, which can be much cheaper than replacing all your windows.
Installing a water meter in your home can make you more aware of how much your household is using and could save you money if you use less water than the average household.
When defrosting food, defrost it in the fridge overnight instead of using the microwave.
When reheating food, though, the microwave is generally more energy efficient than warming it up in other ways.
Keep your oven door clean so you can see inside, because when you open the door to check on food, you lose heat.
Let warm food cool in the open before placing it in the freezer or fridge.
Keep lids on pans to keep in heat and turn the hob down when pans reach the boil.
If you're organised, make a large batch of food and freeze portions for later, because it uses less energy to cook a large amount of food in one go than over lots of separate occasions.
Try not to keep your fridge or freezer near anything warm, like a radiator or oven.

Tags: energy saving, ideas, tips, save energy, save money, money saving