There are simple ways by which you can reduce your home energy consumption and your bills. Here are the first steps you could take in your home to reduce energy consumption, if you are not doing them already:
- Turn lights and appliances OFF when not in use
- Switch to LED lightbulbs
- Run your washing machine at 30 degrees
- Stop draughts around windows, doors and floor – simple draught excluders and fillers work
- Turn the thermostat down to 18 degrees and reduce the temperature of radiators in rooms you don’t use
- Insulate hot water pipes
- Reduce shower and bath use, or shower time to four minutes.
The UK Government has a useful web tool where you can find out how to save energy in your home. If you own a property in England or Wales you can get recommendations for home improvements that could make your property cheaper to heat and keep warm.
https://www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency
For each recommendation you can see:
- an estimated cost of making the improvement
- how much you could save on your bills
- next steps if you want to make the improvement
You can also speak to an adviser to get recommendations by telephoning: 800 098 7950
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (except bank holidays)
Saturday, 9am to 12pm.
Visit the website to find out about call charges.
If you would like more information about what steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint, the Bittern Countryside CIC has a useful series of fact sheets about alternative energy sources and how to reduce our your use of plastic on its website:https://bitterncountrysidecic.org.uk/?BCCIC_PUBLICATIONS:Energy_Fact_Sheets