Top 10 energy saving measures

1. Buy an energy monitoring device

There is an old saying that goes "if you can't measure it, you can't manage it". The simple way to find the true 'real-time' cost of the energy being consumed in your home is by using a wireless smart meter in your home. The results will astound you!

Energy monitoring devices

2. Switch to energy saving light bulbs

Energy saving light bulbs use up to 80% less energy than an ordinary light bulb and last up to 10 times longer. Each energy saving light bulb that you purchase will pay for itself in around 8 months time and will save you around £60 over its lifetime.

Energy saving light bulbs

 3. Insulate your loft

Insulating your loft is one of the simplest ways to save energy. Loft insulation could save you around £110 per year. The easy way to do it is with Thermawrap, line the rafters and not the floor. Choosing Thermafleece British sheep’s wool insulation is easier to lay, works brilliantly and doesn’t contain chemicals and fumes.

Loft insulation

 4. Insulate your radiators

Easily done with radiator panels that can be cut to size and stuck on with sticky pads, or using Thermawrap foil that can be cut to size and taped on. They stop heat dissipating through the walls and push it back into the room, keeping the heat in the room longer, making it warmer so your thermostat doesn’t need to kick in so often. Can save £££ on heating bills.

Radiator insulation

 5. Insulate pipes

Using spiral pipe wrap you can easily insulate pipes to keep the heat in or to stop them freezing up in the cold weather. Pipe wrap is an alternative to polystyrene / foam tubing and is more economical and far easier to fit by simply wrapping it round and securing it with tape.

Pipe insulation

6. Cover up your hot and cold water tanks

Insulating your hot water tank with a jacket is a low cost and effective way to save energy. A jacket will only cost a few pounds and with all the heat it traps in, will pay for itself within months. Fit one that is at least 75mm (3") thick and you could save around £20 per year. A cover for your cold water tank is a good idea as it will prevent it freezing in sub zero temperatures.

Hot water cylinder jacket

7. Buy a standby saver

A standby saving device will ensure that your electrical equipment is not left in the 'standby' mode. this is costing the average home £37 per year. The easy thing to do is get out of your chair and turn electrical equipment off at the wall. With a standby saver, you don't even need to do that!

Standby Savers

8. Buy an energy saving kettle

An energy saving kettle will use up to 65% less energy than an ordinary kettle. Save water, energy and time. Choose from an Eco kettle which also saves water or a Tefal Quick cup which is super fast, boiling water for a cup of tea in three seconds.

Energy saving kettles

9. choose solar lights outdoors

Choose solar powered lights for doorways and in the garden. They cost nothing to run and come on at dusk and go off at dawn. An energy saving alternative to leaving lights on all night.

Solar Lights

10. Look for alternatives to using electricity and batteries.

There a mini solar panels for sheds and garages, try solar powered water features to put in the garden, fountains and pond pumps also work from solar power from spring to early Winter. Use wind-up technology for gadgets such as torches and radios and for charging mobile phones. You can even shave with a wind-up shaver!

Alternative electric gadgets