Energy tips

UK wide, almost £3 billion could be saved every year in energy bills. Our tops tips below may help you make a start in reducing your own bills.

• Switch off your TV and computer instead of leaving them on standby. According to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) this could save average householders £30 a year.
• Boil only the amount of water you need for your cup of tea. The DECC claims this could save up to £25 a year.
• In warmer months, hang clothes out to dry naturally, rather than using a tumble dryer or turning the heating up.
• Turn off lights in empty rooms and replace bulbs with energy saving ones.
• Where possible, try showering instead of bathing.
• Only use the washing machine when you have a full load to wash. Also try washing on a lower temperature.
• A fuller fridge or freezer is more efficient than an empty one so keep it filled. When the food and drink begins to run low, fill the space with newspaper-filled carrier bags.
• Ensure windows and doors are firmly shut when the heating is on. In the evenings, draw the curtains and use door draught-excluders to save even more energy.