Useful information
Useful information
Energy saving tips
Here you can find some useful tips on how to save energy around the home.
Avoid using standby on electrical devices
Devices on standby mode can use almost as much energy as when they are being used. To help with this we have standby saver plugs which turn devices off from your remote.
Reduce showering time by one minute
Showers are some of the most energy hungry appliances in our homes. Reducing the amount of time you are in the shower will help you save energy and water.
Replace one bath a week with a shower
Baths use up far more water than showers (about two and a half times more). Showers are even more efficient if you use a shower aerator.
Wash up in a bowl rather than the sink
A washing up bowl takes less water to fill which will save you money.
Wash clothes at 30°C
Reducing the temperature of your wash from 40°C to 30°C could cost you 40% less. A cooler wash helps keep clothes looking newer for longer.
Turn the thermostat down by one degree
This could reduce your heating bill by up to 10%. You can use thermostats and Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) to keep the rooms you use most warm while saving energy.
Only boil as much water as needed
Two thirds of people overfill their kettle, often boiling twice as much as needed. Boiling only as much as you need means your kettle will boil quicker too!
Turn off lights that aren't being used
It’s always best to turn off lights that aren’t being used, even if only for a short time. This is even more important if you have any older, less energy efficient lightbulbs.
Dry clothes outside
Tumble dryers are amongst the most energy intensive appliances in the home. Drying clothes outside could reduce the amount of condensation in your home and can help reduce issues with damp and mould.
Maximise washing loads
Ensuring that your washing machine or dishwasher is always full before you put it on means you’ll have to do fewer washes. These appliances use the same amount of energy regardless of how full they are.
Warm Home Discount
Check with your energy supplier to see if you are eligible for Warm Home Discount. This is a discount of £140 on your electricity bill. You may be eligible if you are on a low income.
Refrigeration
Keep the temperature in your fridge between 3°C - 5°C. Defrost your fridge and freezer on a regular basis to stop the build up of ice. Cool food before you put it in the fridge or freezer.
Meter readings
If you receive a bill with ‘E’ it means your bill has been estimated so you may not be paying the correct amount for the energy you have used. Take regular meter readings and submit them to your supplier. This will help keep your bills accurate. Too many estimated readings can sometimes end up in huge unexpected bills.
Priority Services Register
If you are of pensionable age, disabled or suffer from long term health problems, you could get extra help such as advance notice on planned power cuts or help reading your meter. Contact your energy supplier to see if you are eligible.
Hot water
If you have a hot water tank ensure it is insulated properly and set the temperature for your electric immersion heater at 60 °C. Don’t leave it on the “continuous” setting.
Cooking
When cooking make sure that you use a pan that is the correct size for the ring and put a lid on it. It will heat up quicker and help reduce condensation.
Radiators
Try and keep your radiators clear. Don’t put furniture such as a sofa in front as it will absorb the heat and don’t dry clothes on them. This will make your boiler work harder and cause condensation.
Connect for Help is a free service that is helping people reduce their energy bills, stay warm and access the local help available to them - all without costing them any money.