Ten ways to save energy and money in the home

FACT: The energy used by the average home creates 7 ½ tonnes of CO2 each year. That’s about the weight of two elephants! You can reduce this simply by following the ten steps below:

1. Shut the curtains at dusk

Make sure that they don't hang in front of the radiators or the outside wall/ window will benefit from the heat instead of the room.

Use thick curtains that are thermally lined. Or get a second pair of curtains from a charity shop to act as lining material.

Put up secondary glazing - DIY polythene or rigid glazing kits are relatively cheap and easy to install and perform almost as well as permanently fitted double glazed windows.

2. Insulate your hot water tank

This will only cost about £10 and you'll get your money back in under a year. Set the thermostat on the hot water tank to 60°C / 140°F. It's cheaper to heat your hot water in the summer from your central heating system than using an electric immersion heater.

3. Radiator shelves and reflectors

Put radiator reflectors or kitchen foil behind the radiator, and a shelf above it. This will ensure that the heat is reflected into the room rather than being lost to the wall or the ceiling. Tests run in LB Hackney a couple of years ago demonstrated that the panels provide 10% more useful heat into rooms.

Radiator reflector panels are inexpensive and can be obtained from East End Energy Savers.

4. Room heaters

If you need an individual room heater for additional heat, or if you do not have central heating, the most efficient type is a thermostatically controlled convector heater with timer.

Don't use LPG heaters if you can avoid it as the amount of water they emit into the atmosphere can make your home at risk of condensation. Use of LPG heaters is prohibited in LBTH properties due to the health and safety risks.

^ top

5. Freezers and fridges

If you have a big freezer keep it full or else you'll be wasting money on keeping an empty space cold. Fill up any large gaps with containers filled with water - old ice cream boxes or plastic drink bottles are ideal. The frozen water will help to keep the rest of the food cold.

Defrost your fridge and freezer regularly to ensure they run efficiently. When loading up the freezer or fridge don't keep the doors open for long or the cold air will escape.

6. Cooking

Cooking by gas is cheaper than cooking with an electric cooker. A microwave is cheap to use. So if you have one use it to pre-cook food.

Choose the right size pans for the food and pan, and keep the lids on when you cook - this will reduce condensation as well as energy use.

7. Washing machine and tumble dryers

Wash full loads of washing where possible. Use the half-load button for smaller loads. Use a time clock to make use of the cheaper rate of electricity if you have Economy 7 or other off peak tariffs. Dry clothes outside whenever possible.

If you buy a new machine make sure it is an 'A' rated, energy efficient model. this will save money on your electricity bill, as will selecting a low temperature washing cycle (40°).

8. Lights

Switch all lights off when they are not being used. Buy a low energy light bulb. They use 1/4 of the electricity of normal bulbs and last 8 - 10 times as long.

Even though low energy bulbs are more expensive than normal light bulbs they are a good investment. You will get your money back in terms of electricity saved in the first year.

There are several schemes available to give you cheap or even free low energy lights. See our leaflet 'Energy Efficiency Grants and Offers for Householders'

9. Room thermostat

If you have central heating and you are too hot, turn down the room thermostat rather than open the window.

Use recommended settings - 21°C if located in the living room or 18°C if located elsewhere.

10. Make sure you apply for grants you are entitled to.

If you own your own home or rent from a private landlord and are in receipt of a means-tested benefit you may be entitled to a Warm Front Grant.

This provides energy efficiency measures such as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, draught proofing, hot water tank insulation and low energy light bulbs.

If you're over 60 you may also be eligible for a grant to cover heating system improvements and security works.

The council's energy services unit runs the East End Energy Savers scheme which is the local agent for Warm Front Grants.

Contact us for an appointment to register your grant application and complete the energy grant home survey.