Energy saving recommended products don't necessarily cost any more. Products that carry the energy saving recommended logo all meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the Energy Saving Trust, which is backed by the Government. Always get “A” rated appliances; it will save you money in the long term.
They last up to twelve times longer and use a fraction of the electricity of ordinary bulbs. You will save about £7 per year for every energy saving bulb you fit. They are much cheaper than they used to be, and are now available in a wide range of shapes and sizes to fit all sort of fittings. Always turn the lights off when you leave a room, and adjust your curtains or blinds to let in as much light as possible during the day. You can get energy efficient lamps free at some public events, and new council tenants can now get them when they sign up.
Even this simple measure will save you money as heat escapes through leaky doors and windows. You should recover the money you spend on it in 3-4 years, and you will feel more comfortable without those cold draughts!
This will reduce the heat escaping after dark and should save you around £15 a year.
Too warm? Don't waste your money - turn your thermostat down by 1°C. It could cut your heating bills by up to 10%. And if you're going away during the winter, leave the thermostat on a low setting to provide protection from freezing at minimum cost.
Of course it should be hot, but it doesn't need to be scalding. For most people, setting the cylinder thermostat at 60°C/140°F is fine for bathing and washing. Saving: up to £10 per year.
Always put the plug in your basin or sink. Leaving hot water taps running with it removed is akin to washing money down the plughole.
Don't leave the fridge door open for longer than necessary, as cold air will escape. Avoid putting hot or warm food straight into the fridge; allow it to cool down first. Defrost your fridge regularly to keep it running efficiently and cheaply. If it tends to frost up quickly, check the door seal. And if you have to site your fridge next to a cooker or boiler, leave a good gap between them.
Always wash a full load and if you can't, use a half-load or economy programme if your machine has one. Always use the low temperature programme. Try to use 30ºc wash programme as most modern washing powders and liquids will be just as effective at lower temperatures. And don't put really wet clothes into a tumble dryer; wring them out or spin-dry them first. It's much faster and it will save you money. If you have outside drying facilities, do use them; it’s far cheaper and more energy efficient, and the washing smells fresher, too!
A huge proportion of the energy we use is by appliance on standby, such as televisions, videos, stereos, computers, and cordless phones. To cut down on wasted energy, avoid leaving appliances on standby and remember not to leave them on charge unnecessarily. But check the operation manual to make sure that this won't reset the appliance's memory.
Southampton City Council
