Energy Saving


The following tips can help you to reduce your energy bills at home.

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 one degree. This can save £30 a year.
  • Make sure your radiators are not obstructed by curtains or furniture.
  • Draw your curtains at dusk to help keep the heat inside your rooms.
  • Insulate your loft space and consider cavity wall insulation too.

Electrical appliances

  • Use energy efficient light bulbs - they use less energy and last up to ten times longer than standard bulbs.
  • Turn off household appliances when not in use – they still use electricity when on ‘standby’ and account for six per cent of electricity usage in the home.

Hot water

  • When using a kettle, only boil as much water as you need.
  • Turn the thermostat on your hot water tank down to 60 degrees, which is a comfortable temperature for most and saves on heating costs.
  • Have a shower, it will use around 40 per cent of the water needed for a bath.

Refrigeration

  • Don’t leave the fridge door open. Don’t put hot or warm food straight into a fridge as this increases the energy needed 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.

Cooking

  • Use a pan the same size as the cooker ring to prevent heat loss.
  • Use a lid on saucepans – the contents heat faster and use less energy.
  • Use pressure cookers/steamers/microwaves which use less energy.

Washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers

  • Use a low temperature setting and only wash full loads or use a half-load or economy programme.
  • When drying your clothes indoors, use a clothes rail instead of a radiator (which stops the heat from reaching the rest of the room).
  • Modern dishwashers use less energy/water than washing up by hand.

Footprint Trust

The Footprint Trust Ltd is a not-for-profit company and a registered charity, based on the Isle of Wight. They are dedicated to working with the Island’s community to promote the benefits of sustainable living. If you want information or advice, leave a message on 01983 822282, email: [email protected] or visit www.footprint-trust.co.uk.

Some of the projects they are currently running include:

Warmahome - residents in the Isle of Wight can take advantage of this unique project that provides support with home heating bills and top tips on saving energy and water. The Footprint Trust’s Warmahome project helps older people, those with disabilities, families and people living on low incomes. They provide vital information and guidance on how to access benefits, grants and loans to help make ends meet. The Trust has details of free and cheap cavity wall insulation.

Adopt-A-Garden – get a free growing space and then enjoy your own vegetables! If you don’t have a garden you could ‘adopt’ one that has fallen into need of care. A good way of reducing your food costs and keeping fit. Everyone on the scheme has a CRB (police) check.


Useful websites