Energy saving tips

Don't leave appliances on standby unnecessarily, such as TV's, stereos, DVD players, game consoles, cookers and microwaves. Leaving items on charge such as mobile phones, laptops or tablets can add to your energy cost. An old unused VCR left plugged in may only cost you 4 pence a day but that’s around £15.00 a year

You can now purchase LED spotlights, that are bright enough to replace halogens, as well as regular energy saving bulbs (compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs). They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and fittings.

Only boil as much water as you need, remembering to cover the element if you are using an electric kettle.

Over a year it is a worthwhile routine to follow. An average 2.2kW kettle runs at about 0.6 pence a minute. The more water you use the longer it will take. Boiling the kettle 5 times a day for 3 minutes is around £34.00 for the year. Boiling a kettle 5 times a day for 4 minutes is around £44.00 for the year.

Washing machines are generally “cold-fill” and heat up their own water. Dropping down to 30oC wash could mean you use 40% less electricity, saving around £20.00 for the year.

While you’re at it: Make sure you fill your dishwasher and use the economy setting to save more money.

If you've got a shower that takes hot water straight from your boiler or hot water tank, rather than an electric shower, then you may be able to fit a water efficient shower head. This can reduce your hot water usage whilst retaining the sensation of a powerful shower.

Insulating your loft is one of the simplest ways to save energy and it's a job that you can easily complete yourself. Although it's one of the most important things you can do insulating your loft is not expensive and a standard 270mm layer could save over £200.00 a year on fuel bills.

Unless your home is a relatively new build, you’re likely to be losing some heat through draughts around doors and windows, gaps around the floor, or through the chimney.

Why not buy some draught-proofing products for doors and windows, seal your skirting boards with silicone sealant, and fit a chimney draught excluder or sealed fire guards. DIY draught-proofing of windows, doors and blocking cracks in floors and skirting boards can cost around £200 but can save £30 to £40 a year.

When replacing appliances, especially large appliances like fridges and washing machines, look for the ones displaying the Energy Saving recommended logo.

Energy saving appliances use less energy and could save you up to £45 a year.

Time spent setting your system to serve your needs without waste is well spent and can help you reduce your fuel bills. Even turning down your heating thermostat by 1oC could cut your heating bills by up to 10% and save you around £40 per year.