Top ten tips: Save energy for free
Wednesday, 5 October 2011 10:54 AM
Struggling with rising energy bills? There's no need to turn off the electric heater and build a campfire in the garden just yet. Here's our top ten tips to save you money.
1. Standby mode
That little red light in the corner of your TV is annoying isn't it? Well it's also costing you money. Turning your TV, DVD player or toaster off at the wall might seem like a lot of hassle but in doing so you'll be saving loads of energy.
2. Making the tea
Make tea for one but always fill the kettle way too full? Of course you do, nothing is worse than boiling the kettle and finding there isn't quite enough water for a full cup. Except running out of tea bags. Or wasting a load of energy. Try just putting enough for one cup in the kettle, but make sure you cover the metal base. Not only will that save you money it'll also speed up your tea making process. Everyone's a winner.
3. Lights
Let there be light. But in moderation. Is there any point leaving that light in your kitchen on all night just in case you return to raid the fridge? The light inside the fridge has got the right idea, it goes off whenever you shut the door, so take note and turn off the lights in any rooms you are not using.
4. Drying your clothes
In a rush and got a tumble drier? Chuck them in. Not in such a rush? Then why bother tumbling. Tumble driers are using a lot of energy for a process which, if you've got the time, you can do for free. Try hanging your clothes outside on the washing line or using a clothes horse. It's actually probably better in the long run for that lovely new top not to be battered around inside the drier anyway. And the tumble drier eats socks, whereas the washing line doesn't.
5. Showering
Now one thing AboutProperty is not going to discourage is a good shower. After all, we might have to sit next to you on the train. But do you really have to run it for ages before getting in? We know some showers take awhile to heat up but "leaving it to run" is not only a huge waste of energy, it's a waste of water too.
6. Dishwasher
Lucky enough to have a dishwasher? No rubber gloves and Fairy Liquid for you. Modern dishwashers actually use less energy and water than washing up by hand, but do try to put full loads in and only use the highest setting for the very dirtiest plates. There's really no need to put it on every night for a few mugs and teaspoons.
7. Mobile phone charger
Plug your phone in to charge at night? Charging times are now much quicker than they used to be and batteries last longer. All the time you leave a phone, Ipod, laptop, or other random electrical accessory charging you are using energy; it doesn't just stop once full. Try charging electrical items earlier on when you'll be awake to unplug them, most phones bleep with a message when fully charged.
8. Draw the curtains
Leaving curtains open is not only a recipe for nosey neighbours (did you know – someone who has an unstoppable desire to stare through windows when passing a house is called a crytoscopophiliac) but it also lets heat escape. Try making sure curtains are shut after dusk and you'll be surprised what a difference it makes.
9. Energy saving lightbulbs
This seems ridiculously obvious, but it's surprising how many people stick with the expensive energy wasting bulbs they are used to. That's despite the fact energy saving bulbs last way longer than ordinary bulbs (sometimes up to 10 times as long), thus justifying the slight extra cost. Also if you're regularly leaving a hall light on, try getting a special night light bulb which uses less energy.
10. Turn the thermostat down
Oft repeated, but here it is again. Try nudging the heating down a touch. One degree often doesn't make a huge difference to the actual heat of the house, but will save a decent amount on your bills. Don't go too crazy though, turning it down 5 degrees will save a lot more but you'll also need to buy some scarves and woolly jumpers.
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