Pick up these eight easy habits and before you know it, they’ll become second nature – saving you energy and money.
1. Lights out
Lights make up around 7% of the electricity we use in our homes. We all do it – walk into a room, turn on the light, and then leave with it still on. So a small thing like flicking the switch off as you walk out can significantly reduce your energy bill.
2. Light up
You could save up to £50 a year on your electricity bill simply by changing your standard light bulbs to low energy bulbs. These last up to 12 times longer.
3. Watch your chargers
Across the country, people are unnecessarily over-charging their mobile phones, MP3 players, and laptops. Instead, as soon as your device is fully charged, try and get into the habit of unplugging it. Not only will this save energy, it also prolongs battery life. It could also save you about £60 a year on your electricity bills.
4. Hold the water
Nearly everyone leaves the tap running while brushing their teeth. This wastes six litres of water a minute per person. You can stop money escaping down the plughole by simply turning the tap off while you brush.
It’s a good idea to turn the taps off when washing dishes too. Instead of using running water, use a bowl.
5. Careful with that kettle
When making tea or coffee, most of us fill the kettle right up. This means as a country we’re wasting around £68 million worth of energy a year. By filling your kettle just to the level you need, it could save you up to a third of the energy you have been using.
6. Pre-heat but don’t overheat
Pre-heating the oven when cooking makes sense. But don’t turn it on too soon. It only takes between 10 and 15 minutes to reach the right temperature, so no need to do it for any longer.
7. Check the fridge temperature
Fridges run more efficiently when they are set at the right temperature. If yours has a thermostat in it, set it to between 3°C and 5°C.
8. Use the timer, not the thermostat
Many people use the thermostat on their central heating to control the temperature in their home. But if you use the timer instead, setting the heating to come on and off throughout the day as and when you need it could save energy and money.