» The heat is on
Are you overheating? Turning down your central heating thermostat by just one degree could cut your heating bills by up to 10% or £30* per year. If you’re going away in winter, leave the thermostat on a low setting to provide protection from freezing without burning your pound notes.
» Switch it off!
Turn your TV off at the wall! To cut down on waste, don’t leave appliances on standby when you’re not using them, and don’t leave appliances on charge when they’ve finished charging. Appliances still use electricity when they’re not being used, making your meter whizz round even when you’re asleep.
Also, make sure you turn the lights off when you leave a room.
» Use it wisely
Don’t leave the fridge or freezer door open longer than you need to, and avoid putting hot or warm food into the fridge; allow it to cool down first. Defrost your freezer regularly, it will run more efficiently that way. Positioning your fridge or freezer next to the oven means will need more power to keep things cool.
When using your washing machine, try to wash a full load, or if you have to wash smaller amount use a half-load or economy programme where possible. Likewise with dishwashers, and in both cases use a low temperature programme - modern soap powders are just as effective with cooler water.
Alvin says: “Did you know that 85% of the electricity used by your VCR is consumed when it is not actually on? Every year VCRs in the UK use £113 million and TVs £50 million worth of electricity while waiting to be used. What a waste!”
*All savings are based on a gas heated semi-detached house with three bedrooms.
