How to save energy

Gas and electricity

• Using energy saving light bulbs is one of the quickest and easiest ways you can immediately start saving energy. Though a little more expensive to initially purchase, they typically last 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs and could potentially save £7 per year, per bulb.
• Switch it off! Leaving appliances on standby wastes energy and money, so save both by switching your appliances off.
• Try to put full loads of laundry into the washing machine and dishes into the dishwasher. You could save even more energy by washing at lower temperatures where possible.
• The tumble dryer is one of the least energy efficient devices in our homes. When you can, dry clothes on a washing line or a clothes airer - but if you have to use the dryer consider purchasing 'dryer balls', which can reduce drying time.
• Regularly defrost refrigerators and freezers to keep them running at their optimum performance levels and maximise energy efficiency.
• When the time comes to replace your appliances, choose the most energy efficient electronics and appliances. When purchasing new items look for the Energy Saving Recommended Logo and A+ energy rating logo on items like washing machines, fridges and freezers.

Heating

• Turn it down; turning the temperature down your thermostat by one degree centigrade can save up to 10% on your heating bill, and it's unlikely that you'll notice the difference.
• Ensure the central heating is not left on when you're at work or out of the home for long periods of time.
• Insulate: as the majority of money you're likely to spend on fuel goes into heating your home - especially in colder months - improving the insulation of it is a good idea. Consider cavity wall insulation, insulating the loft and fitting draught excluders on doors to help make your home draught free.
• When the time comes to replace your boiler choose an A rated one displaying the Energy Saving Recommended logo for the best energy efficiency. Choosing a heating system with a condensing boiler and heating controls could make a big difference over time.
• Condensing boilers are the most efficient available on the market, as they capture much more usable heat from fuel and so waste less energy. Heating controls, like a thermostat and timer facility, enable you to regulate when the boiler/heating is on and control temperatures, which is likely to save you money on utility bills.