Last updated 07 September 2008
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Why save energy?
The main greenhouse gas causing climate change is Carbon Dioxide
(CO2).over a quarter of all UK emissions of carbon dioxide is created through energy
used in our homes.
The more energy we use, the more CO2 is produced. Cutting down on your energy use around the home, helps to reduce the amount of CO2 produced, because less energy is needed to be generated at power stations.
Cutting down on your energy use around the home, can also help you to save money, by cutting out waste, so reducing your fuel bills.
A painless way to start saving
The first step to saving is to turn off appliances when you do not need them. Do not leave them on stand by, as the average household wastes £37 a year simply by leaving appliances on standby. So, turn off an appliance completely, by using the power switch on the appliance itself or turn it off at the plug.
Remember any appliance with a charger or an external power pack, e.g. telephone charger, computer transformer or Broadband transmitter will still use power unless turned off at the plug (you can tell because the charger or power pack stays warm or may have a light on.
Other quick energy saving tips:
- Washing clothes at 30 degrees can be just as effective for a normally soiled load
- Run your washing machine or dishwasher with full loads or on half load, if your machine will do it
- Avoid tumble drying and try to dry clothes outdoors when possible
- Defrost your freezer regularly and do not put warm or hot food in the freezer or your fridge
- Turn down your thermostat by one degree. The savings will be significant and you are unlikely to notice the difference, but if you do, wear something that little bit warmer around the house
- Turn your hot water heater temperature down to 55C
- Boil a kettle with only as much water as you need
- Use a lid to cover pots and pans when cooking – they will boil a lot quicker and they keep the heat in
- Try rechargeable batteries.
Longer term energy saving tips
Use energy efficient light bulbs where practical.
Buy energy efficient appliances when you need to replace your current model. Energy-
Look for European Union (EU) energy labels on fridges, freezers and washing machines,
which make it easy to see how energy-
Make sure your loft and walls are insulated. Your local council will let you know what grants are available.
By Dave Entwistle
