Energy Tips
Save money on your fuel bills with these energy saving tips ...
Although energy bills have been rising, you could actually save money by using energy more efficiently throughout your home.
Most of us are not used to thinking about how we use the energy that powers our homes. But simple changes to your daily habits can have a huge effect on the gas and electricity bills that drop through your door.
The energy saving tips and information on this site are designed to help you control the impact of rising energy bills without effecting your lifestyle
The key is to see your home differently
The key to making big savings on your home energy bills is to view your
home as a living energy system with individual parts that affect each other.
For example, if you install energy efficient double glazed windows and
loft insulation, when it's time to replace your boiler and heating system,
you may be able to manage with a smaller one that costs less, because the
windows and walls will retain the heated air inside better than a home without
efficient windows and insulation. And because heating makes up the majority
of your energy bills, you'll save the most money by reducing your heating
needs.
Applying energy saving improvements in your home will not only make your
home more comfortable, but can also deliver long-term financial rewards.
Permanently lower energy bills will more than make up for the higher cost
of installing energy efficient appliances and improvements.
How much can you save on your home energy bills?
It's easy to start saving energy right now and you don't have to spend any
money to reduce your energy bills. Applying our no-cost energy saving tips
around your home can save you hundreds of pounds a year.
As well as changing your daily energy habits, you can also install energy
efficient products and appliances around your home. These efficient products
don't always cost more than inefficient ones but will use less energy so
are cheaper to maintain and run.
Energy Saving Light Bulbs Save €8-€15 per year
Hot Water Tank Insulation Save €15 per year
Draught Proofing Save €45 per year
Fuel Master Heating Controls Save €500 per year + (20% of your fuel bills)
Double Glazed Windows Save €40 per year
Loft Insulation Save €100 - €120 per year
Wall Insulation Save €200 per year
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
as this stops the heat from reaching the rest of the room.
•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 where possible, 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 effect the efficiency
of your kettle. Look out for a buildup 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.
•If you have a standard shower it will use around 40% of the water required
for a bath.
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Small changes equal big energy savings
The biggest long-term savings come from changing your energy habits and
being more energy efficient around the home.
As you start to see savings its a good idea to re-invest this money in
energy saving products and appliances to reduce your energy consumption
even further. The long-term savings will more than pay for the cost of
purchasing and installing these measures.
Start using these no-cost energy saving tips energy saving ideas around
your home and measure the reduction in your next few energy bills. The
more you apply the more you'll save.
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. This can save you around Ł30
a year.
•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 which use less energy and last up to
ten times longer than standard 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 they are left on standby.
Refrigeration
•Don't leave the fridge door open and try to avoid putting hot or warm
food straight into the fridge as this increases the energy required to
keep the contents cold.
•Defrost your fridge frequently and check the door seals. Avoid putting
your fridge next to heat generating appliances such as an oven or boiler.
If possible, keep the freezer in a cool room or garage.