• Make small changes to save money
• Invest in 'green energy' for bigger, long-term savings
• Make money with Solar PV Panels
Small changes help you save money on the ever-increasing cost of energy. We hope you find our tips on this page useful. Don't forget to use our FREE COST AND EARN CALCULATOR to see how much you can earn from Solar PV Panels.
The biggest long-term savings come from investment in energy saving products and green energy solutions. Especially bearing in mind the Feed-in Tariff pays you for the electricity you generate, and is likely to produce a bigger financial return than any small cost savings measures. The long-term savings will more than pay for the cost of purchasing and installing Solar PV Panels for example.
Should you have Solar PV Panels installed, it is worthwhile using domestic appliances like washing machines during daylight hours - they will be using the free electricity generated by your Solar PV Panels.
Heating Tips
- Set your heating to go off 30 minutes before you leave the house, and come on again 30 minutes before you expect to return.
- Turn the room thermostat down by 1 degree.
- Make sure your radiators are not obstructed by curtains or furniture.
- Draw your curtains at dusk to help keep the heat generated inside your rooms.
- Insulate your loft space and consider cavity wall insulation too.
Electrical Appliances
- Use energy efficient light bulbs.
- Turn off household appliances such as microwaves, TVs, videos, music systems, and computers when not in use, as they continue to use energy when left on standby.
Refrigeration
- Don't leave the fridge door open and avoid putting hot or warm food straight into it.
- Defrost your fridge frequently and check the door seals.
- Avoid putting your fridge next to heat generating appliances such as an oven or boiler.
Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers and Dishwashers
- Use a low temperature setting and only wash full loads or use a half-load or economy programme.
- In summer, dry your clothes outside rather than using a tumble dryer.
- When drying your clothes indoors, use a clothes rail instead of a radiator.
- Modern dishwashers use less energy and water than washing up by hand.
Cooking
- Use a pan which is the same size as the cooker ring to prevent heat loss.
- Use a lid on saucepans so the contents heat up faster and require less energy.
- Consider using pressure cookers, steamers and microwaves which use less energy.
Hot Water
- When using a kettle, only boil as much water as you need.
- If you live in a hard water area, limescale can affect the efficiency of your kettle. Look out for a build-up of limescale in your kettle and treat with vinegar or descaling solutions.
- Consider turning the thermostat on your hot water tank down to 60 degrees centigrade which is a comfortable temperature for most people and will save on your heating costs.
- Where possible take a shower instead of a bath.
