26 Apr Simple Energy Behavioural Tips

Voltacon recommends simple tips to help you save energy

Heating tips

1. Try nudging your heating down by a degree or two. It could save you £85 to £90 a year;
2. Use your central heating timer to turn heating on and off, so it is only on when you need it;
3. Keep your radiators clear. For example, do not put a large sofa in front of a radiator as it will absorb a lot of the heat and stop warm air circulating round the room;
4. For properties with high ceilings, placing a shelf just above the radiator helps to deflect the heat into the centre of the room rather than it drifting straight up to the ceiling;
5. Put radiator panels behind radiators fixed to external walls to help reflect the heat back into the room. They cost around £20 to £30 for a pack and could save you up to £10 a year if you have uninsulated solid walls;
6. Draught-proof your home – this means blocking up unwanted gaps that let cold air in and warm air out. It is one of the cheapest and most efficient ways to save energy and could save you £25 to £30 a year.

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Hot water tips

1. Spending one minute less in the shower, each day could save you more than £10 off energy bills each year, per person;
2. A water-efficient showerhead can save a four person household around £65 on gas bills and £100 on water bills (if you have got a water meter);
3. Make sure taps are fully turned off after use. This will help save both water and gas;
4. Install a hot water cylinder jacket. These fit around your cylinder and stop heat from escaping, so you need less energy and the water stays warmer for longer. They cost around £16 and could save £25 to £35 a year;
5. Insulate any exposed hot water pipes and you will keep your hot water for longer. This will cost around £20 and could save you £10 a year.

Electrical tips

1. A typical household can save around £30 a year just by remembering to turn off appliances left on standby;
2. Invest in a standby saver. These allow you easily turn all of your appliances off from standby without having to reach for the plug.
3. Turn the lights out – even if you have got the energy saving light bulb. It could save you around £9 a year;
4. Use energy saving light bulbs. They last up to ten times longer than ordinary bulbs, and using one can save you around £50 over the lifetime of the bulb;
5. Ensure all electrical appliances are turned off at the plug when not in use. Some items can still use energy when plugged, even if the appliance has been turned off.

Cooking

1. Only filling the kettle up with as much water as you need, could save around £7 in energy bills a year;
2. When boiling vegetables use just enough water to keep them covered;
3. Use the kettle to boil water for cooking, instead of heating a pan on the stove. Not only will this be more efficient, but it generally takes less time too.

Plan how to save energy with simple behavioural tips