Every time we switch on a plug, use hot water or turn on a light, the energy that we use comes directly from the National Grid. Whilst the UK is generating more energy from clean and renewable sources every year, lots of this energy is created in ways that directly cause climate change.
Small changes to the way you use energy and water can make a big difference to the size of your bills and reduce your impact on the environment.
Switch It Off
The average household spends more than £65 every year powering appliances left on standby and that doesn’t include the money spent heating water and rooms when we don’t need to!
If you’re forgetful, consider investing in sockets, timers or sensors to make turning things off and on, even easier. You can also track your energy usage easily by fitting a smart meter.
Home Grown Energy
Have you ever considered making your own electricity?
Installing renewable technology is an investment, but it can save you significant money long-term.
Whether by wind, solar, or hydro, you could save on electricity bills and cut your carbon footprint by making your own clean, green electricity. See if you’re eligible for our latest Solar Panel Grant so you can start making your own electricity!
Every Drop Matters
Heating water is one of the most energy-intensive activities in our homes.
Save hot water by opting for shorter showers. Aim for 4 minutes, rather than longer baths, popping a pan lid on when cooking, using a washing-up bowl when doing dishes by hand and not filling the kettle to the top if you’re only making tea for one.
Upgrade Your Heating
How we heat our homes is one of the most important environmental decisions we can make. Many homes are heated using gas or oil but burning either of these fuels makes climate change worse and can be expensive due to global supply and demand.
Electricity-based heating systems including heat pumps and modern radiators are greener and can be cheaper too. Have a look at our Energy Efficiency Advice page to see if you’re entitled to any grants, loans or funding.
Take A Load Off
Laundry takes a lot of energy, water and time, so take a load off by airing your clothes out rather than washing. Only do the laundry if you have a full load, wash at 30°C unless your load is particularly dirty and use your machine’s eco-setting, if it has one.
Tumble dryers are one of the most expensive appliances to run in the home and they can shorten the life of your clothes too.
LED The Way With A+++
If you’re a homeowner, or your landlord allows it, switch your lights to low energy bulbs. LED lights are a bright idea: they use 85% less energy than traditional bulbs and last much longer.In the market for a new appliance? Look out for its energy rating. An A+++ rating will mean lower running costs, saving you money in the long term - even if it might cost a little bit more to buy.
Make sure that you dispose of your appliances in the best way too: give your appliances a new lease of life by selling, donating, or recycling it.
Keep The Warmth
British homes are some of the oldest and ‘leakiest’ for heat in Europe and its energy bill payers that pay the price for all that wasted heat. If you live in a cold, old or draughty home then you can save money on your energy bills by installing energy efficiency measures which help keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Home insulation, draught proofing or even insulating your hot water tank and pipes can make a difference.
