Energy Smart
Be Energy Smart - SAVE energy SAVE money!
Since 2003 electricity prices have risen by around 50% and gas prices by a huge 90%. That means that the average household electricity bill has risen by £141 to £383 and the average household gas bill by £300 to £630!
Everyone can cut their bills by being Energy Smart – using less energy getting the best deal and paying by the cheapest method.
Follow the tips below and you could save hundreds of pounds.
1. Compare your energy company for price...
Someone who has never switched their energy supplier could save up to £270 by moving to a new company! You can check the most up to date prices on this website or call 0845 9060708 for a price comparison factsheet. You can also use online price comparison websites which make the process of comparing prices and switching even easier.
2. Pay by the cheapest method…
You don’t even have to change company to save money. If you are paying by cheque every quarter you could save on average £150 a year by switching to direct debit and possibly more if you switch to an online account. For people who are on pre payment meters you could save on average £170 a year if you paid by direct debit.
3. Take control of your heating…
Is your heating on too high? The most important thing is to keep warm in winter, but turning your thermostat down by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10%. And if you're going away for winter, leave the thermostat on a low setting to provide protection from freezing at minimum cost. You could save around £30 per year. Hot water doesn't need to be scalding. For most people, setting the cylinder thermostat at 60°C/140°F is fine for bathing and washing.
4. Get help!
There are a range of grants available to help people make their homes more energy efficient and cut your fuel bills through draught proofing, cavity wall or loft insulation, radiator controls and other methods. To find out if you are eligible for any of these phone your local energy efficiency advice centre on 0800 512 012. Also, look out for any special offers from your energy company or local authority – you might receive information about these along with your bill.
5. Plug up the gaps...
If you stop draughts and heat escaping by filling gaps under skirting boards with newspaper, beading or mastic sealant you can save £5-£10 off your bills every year! Double-glazing cuts heat loss through windows by 50% and could cut your heating bill by up to £80 - £100 a year. Just closing your curtains at dusk will stop heat escaping through windows. You can eliminate even more draughts and wasted heat by using an easy-to-fix brush or PVC seal on your exterior doors. Always put the plug in your basin or sink. Leaving hot water running straight down the drain really is throwing money away.
6. Don’t standby, switch off!
The average household wastes £37 each year by leaving appliances on standby such as televisions, videos, stereos, computers, and cordless phones. To cut down on wasted energy, avoid leaving appliances on standby but please check the user manual first. Also turn off the lights when you leave a room and adjust your curtains or blinds to let in as much light as possible during the day.
7. Dress up your hot water tank…
An insulating jacket for hot water tanks only costs a few pounds and pays for itself within months. Fit one that's at least 75mm (3") thick and you could save around £20 a year. If every UK household fitted a jacket on their tank tomorrow, we'd save over £150 million of energy every year!
8. Half empty or half full…
Only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need. You'll get your drink quicker and you’ll save energy too! However for washing machines, tumble driers and dishwashers always aim for a full load if you can't use a half-load or economy programme. Use the low temperature programme bearing in mind that modern washing powders will be just as effective at lower temperatures. Wring out or spin-drying really wet clothes before putting them into a tumble dryer will save you money, and they dry faster.
9. A bright idea...buy an energy efficient light bulb
When the days are shorter you'll be relying on your lights more. Trade up your ordinary light bulbs for energy saving ones. Priced from just £5, energy efficient light bulbs last 12 times longer and for each bulb you fit, you can save up to £9 on your annual electricity bill. If every UK household installed just one bulb we'd save over £80 million per year and enough energy to supply all the street lighting in the UK!
10. Figure out what works for you … take the EST Home Energy Check...
You know what energy saving methods will work best for you. To get an idea of how much you could save in your home use the Energy Savings Trust online home energy check. Alternatively, you can obtain a paper version by calling your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (EEAC) on 0800 512 012. Staff at your local EEAC can also provide you with free, impartial advice on how to make your home more energy efficient and talk to you about the grants available in your area to implement energy efficient measures.