Fridges and Freezers

Defrosting your freezer at least once a year makes it significantly more energy efficient.
The build-up of ice on your freezer’s cooling element over time means the freezer has
to work harder to transfer heat out and keep the inside temperature cold enough.

Keeping your fridge and freezer well stocked is also more efficient because it reduces
the amount of warm air that can get in when the doors are opened.

Washing Machines

Try to wash your clothes at 30° rather than 40°. Typical loads will come out
just as clean in a lower temperature wash, and you’ll save energy and money
on your laundry.

Energy Efficient Appliances

When you come to replace appliances like fridges, freezers, washing machines and dishwashers,
make sure you buy the most energy efficient models. Look for labels such as Energy Saving Trust
Recommended, the European EcoLabel and the Energy Star logo. Avoid using appliances like tumble
dryers unless you really need to. Most tumble dryers have a low energy efficiency rating.

Water Heating

Many people heat their water to a higher temperature than they ever need it. Take a look at your
boiler and reduce the hot water temperature by a few degrees. Chances are you won’t notice any
difference but you’ll save a little extra cash every month.

Solar Panels

Solar panels harness energy from the sun to generate electricity, which can reduce your
reliance on electricity from a supplier. If you generate more energy than you need you
can even sell it back to the grid to make a profit.

The UK Government is currently paying feed in tariff for the next 20 years to people who install
solar panels. By the time you reach that 20 year mark you’ll have paid for the installation and
made about the same amount back in profit. And that doesn’t even include the savings you’ll
make on your electricity bills each year, estimated at about £150.

Insulating Water Tanks and Pipes

A lot of energy can be lost through hot water pipes that aren’t insulated. You can buy an insulated
jacket for your boiler very cheaply and insulate your water pipes using foam tubing. With these in
place, the heat energy flowing through your water system will no longer be lost through exposure
to colder air, and the cost can be offset within six months to a year.

Loft and Wall Insulation

Loft insulation and cavity wall insulation (for homes built after 1920) make a huge difference to
heat retention in your home. On average, the cost of installing cavity wall insulation can be offset
through energy savings within an estimated four years. Loft insulation is a job you can do pretty
easily yourself, and the costs can be offset within an estimated two to five years.

Floors

Carpeted floors are better at retaining heat than exposed materials
like wood or laminate flooring.

Doors and Windows

A lot of heat can be lost through doors and windows, forcing you to use more energy to keep your
home at the right temperature. Use draught excluder tape and thick curtains on doors and
windows to avoid cold air streaming in and warm air escaping. Double glazed windows also retain
heat much more efficiently than single glazed panels.

Timers for Heating

Use timers to ensure your heating only comes on for set periods of time when
you actually need the home to be heated. This eliminates the temptation to
leave your heating on so you never wake up or come home to a cold house.

Light Bulbs

Switch from incandescent lamps to compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) or LED light bulbs. If you use
CFL lights, the bulbs must be disposed of via local authority recycling and waste management
centres because they contain a small amount of mercury, which can cause pollution if disposed
of improperly.

Store your unbroken bulbs somewhere safe until it’s time for a trip to the recycling centre.

Wasted Energy

Turn off lights when you’re not in the room and turn off appliances, technology and battery
chargers at the socket when they’re not in use. Energy wasted by leaving electrical items on
standby costs UK households an average of £50-£90
in wasted energy per year.