The energy we use to heat, light and power our homes contributes over a quarter of the UK’s
carbon emissions, the principle contributor to climate change. Around half the energy used in
the home is for heating and hot water, so using your heating system efficiently will not only help
the environment, but also save you money.
Energy efficiency tips for heating and hot water
1. Don’t set the temperature to high...
By reducing the thermostat setting by just 1°C can reduce your energy use by as much
as 10%. And if you’re going away during the winter, leave the thermostat on the frost
protection setting to provide protection from freezing at a minimum cost.
2. Use it where you need it...
Set the appropriate temperature on your heaters for the room they are in; for example,
leave the thermostat on a heater in a spare bedroom on a lower setting.
3. Use it when you need it...
Use heaters fitted with timers or linked to central controllers to turn the heating on only
when you need it and automatically switch it off when you don’t.
4. Curtains
Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.
5. Windows
Nearly 25% of heat loss can occur through poorly insulated frames and single glazing. If
you can’t afford to double glaze all your windows, go for the rooms you heat most.
6. Treat your hot water tank...
Give it a jacket. An insulating jacket for hot water tanks costs only a few pounds and pays
for itself within months. Fit one that’s at least 75mm (3”) thick and you could save £10-15
a year.
7. Water
Use a shower if you have one to save time, money and water. Don’t set the thermostat too
high on your water heater - 60°C/ 140°F is usually adequate for bathing and washing. Put
the plug in when running hot water in your sink - leaving hot taps running is both wasteful
and expensive. Ensuring dripping taps are repaired quickly. In just one day, you could
waste enough water to fill a bath.
Other Energy Saving Tips for Around the Home
1. Lights
Turn off lights whenever you leave a room for more than ten minutes. Use low-energy bulbs
wherever you can as they use less than a quarter of the electricity used by ordinary light
bulbs and last ten times longer!
2. Cooking
Use the right size pan for food and cooker hob. Keep saucepan lids on - this enables
you to turn down the heat. Boil water for cooking in a kettle first.
Energy Saving Tips
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