creating communities to be proud of
baby it's cold outside
Brrrrrr....the temperatures are starting to drop. And naturally we start to turn up the heating. But with the cost of energy bills on the rise, it's probably a good time to take control of your energy bills. Here are some top tips from the Energy Saving Trust to help you save money and stop wasting energy.
1. Be nice to your freezer...
Fridge freezers are the most hardworking appliances in our kitchens – in fact, UK households use around £2 billion worth of electricity on refrigeration and freezing every year. To help cut costs, don't leave the door open longer than necessary, as cold air will escape. Avoid putting hot food into the fridge, defrost the freezer regularly and check the door seals are working properly.
2. Draw those curtains
As the days get chillier, closing your curtains at dusk will stop heat escaping through windows. This is an easy and practically free way to help you reduce your energy bills and stop wasting energy.
3. A bright idea...
When the days are shorter you'll be relying on your lights more. If you can, trade your ordinary light bulbs for energy saving ones. And with inefficient light bulbs being phased out over the next few years, now is a great time to do so. Energy saving light bulbs last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs, and by fitting all the lights in your house with energy saving bulbs you could save around £30 a year and £480 over the lifetime of all of the bulbs.
And always turn off the lights when you leave a room.
4. Put on a jumper?
Turn your thermostat down. Did you know that if you reduce your room temperature by 1°C you could cut your heating bills by up to 10% and typically saves around £50 per year. If you have a programmer, set your heating and hot water to come on only when required rather than all the time.
5. Don't standby
Don't leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave laptops and mobile phones on charge unnecessarily.
6. Do a full load
If possible, fill up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher - one full load uses less energy than two half loads.
7. Fancy a cuppa...
Only boil as much water as you need (but remember to cover the elements if you're using an electric kettle).
Pay less for your energy.
You can telephone My Home Energy Switch - the new switching service for social housing tenants for free on 0800 051 5346 or visit www.myhomeenergyswitch.org.uk today to find the best price for your gas and electricity.
It's free, fast and simple to switch and they'll take care of all the paperwork.
Give it a try.
 |
|
 |
Registered Charity Number 1107876. |
||
 |
 |
|
|
|
 |
