Useful Links:
For Domestic Advice from the Energy Agency
Sustainable Guide to Home Improvements
Further energy efficiency tips:
Personal Computer (PC)
A PC monitor left switched on overnight wastes enough energy to laser print 800 A4 copies. Flat screen monitors use less energy than traditional monitors.
Television
Turn TVs and other appliances off standby when not in use. Leaving appliances on standby wastes the equivalent of around two power stations’ worth of electricity each year.
Radio
Buy a wind-up radio instead of the traditional mains or battery operated models. A 30 second wind-up will give you an hours listening for free.
Fridge/Freezer
When you go to your fridge open and shut the door as quickly as possible. Leaving the door open means the fridge has to use more energy to get cold again.
Tumble Dryer
Hanging clothes on the line outside is the most energy efficient method of drying clothes. But, spin drying clothes first and keeping filters clear of fluff will help your tumble dryer to use less energy.
Washing Machine
Washing clothes at 40 degrees uses a third less energy than washing the same load at 60 degrees. It will also cut your carbon emissions by a third.
Light bulbs
A standard 100 watt bulb uses over £7 worth of electricity during its average 1000 hour life. Energy saving bulbs use only £2 worth of electricity and can last for up to 8 times longer.
Microwave
Microwaves are fairly energy efficient. The average microwave uses a third of the energy used by a conventional electric oven.
Cooker
Always cook with the lid on your pans. Cooking without lids can take 3 times as much energy.
Electric Heaters
Electric heaters use a lot of electricity and generate a lot of heat. Make sure that any rooms heated in this way are well insulated to prevent heat (and money) being wasted. Around 40% heat loss in a home is through the walls and the loft. Insulating these areas will save energy and money.
( Courtesy of David Pugh)