Energy saving tips

Here are some ways to keep warm, save energy and cut your fuel bills.

Keep warm: 

  • close the curtains at night to reduce draughts and heat loss through the windows
  • shut doors to keep heat in the rooms you use the most. Stop draughts from badly fitting windows and doors
  • don’t put furniture in front of a radiator as the heat will be wasted
  • if you feel cold at night, use a hot water bottle or electric blanket – but never use both together. Get your electric blanket tested every three years
  • set your heating to switch on around half an hour before you come home rather than leaving it on all day if no-one is at home. If it’s very cold, set your heating to switch on earlier and go off later rather than turning the thermostat up.

Save energy:

  • replace your light bulbs with energy efficient ones
  • turn the lights off when you leave the room
  • if you have a hot water cylinder, make sure its thermostat is set at 60°C
  • don’t leave appliances on standby or continually charge your mobile, turn them off when you have finished using them
  • when using saucepans, remember to put the lids on, your food will cook more quickly, saving energy
  • don't leave the fridge door open longer than necessary. Defrost your fridge regularly
  • if you have a washing machine, use it only when full and set the temperature to 30°C
  • use the shower and not the bath, and fix dripping taps as soon as possible. One hot water tap dripping can waste the same amount of water as a hot bath in a week

More information