Lower your fuel bills

Here are some quick tips on how you can save energy, and cut your fuel bills. Using less energy can save you up to 20 per cent on your fuel bills.

No-cost tips

• Keep windows and doors shut when the heating is on.
• Turn the heating down if you're too hot - just turning it down by 1 degree Centigrade can save up to 10% on fuel bills.
• Set your hot water thermostat to 60 degrees Centigrade.
• Take a shower rather than a bath - showers use a lot less hot water.
• Close all curtains at dusk to keep the heat in.
• Keep internal doors closed to reduce draughts.
• Turn off lights and appliances that you're not using.
• Choose the right size pan for the food you're cooking and for the cooker hob. Keep the lid on or use a pressure cooker.
• If you have a washing machine, wash a full load each time.
• Use the 30 degrees Centigrade washing cycle to save up to 30% electricity.
• Defrost your freezer regularly to keep it running efficiently.
• Don't leave your TV and video on standby; turn off the main switches (even on standby they can use up to 25% of the full amount of energy).
• Don't over-fill the kettle for just one drink.

Low-cost tips

• If you have a hot water cylinder, make sure it's well insulated.
• Insulate hot water pipes to stop heat escaping.
• Use low wattage energy-saving light bulbs where possible.
• Fix brush or PVC seals on exterior doors.
• Fit a nylon brush seal or spring flap to your letter box.
• Fix shelves above radiators to deflect warm air into the room.
• Tape polythene across draughty window frames.
• Put aluminium foil behind radiators against outside walls.

Insulation

You should also insulate your home to reduce energy loss. Read on for further information.

No-cost tips

• Keep windows and doors shut when the heating is on.
• Turn the heating down if you're too hot - just turning it down by 1 degree Centigrade can save up to 10% on fuel bills.
• Set your hot water thermostat to 60 degrees Centigrade.
• Take a shower rather than a bath - showers use a lot less hot water.
• Close all curtains at dusk to keep the heat in.
• Keep internal doors closed to reduce draughts.
• Turn off lights and appliances that you're not using.
• Choose the right size pan for the food you're cooking and for the cooker hob. Keep the lid on or use a pressure cooker.
• If you have a washing machine, wash a full load each time.
• Use the 30 degrees Centigrade washing cycle to save up to 30% electricity.
• Defrost your freezer regularly to keep it running efficiently.
• Don't leave your TV and video on standby; turn off the main switches (even on standby they can use up to 25% of the full amount of energy).
• Don't over-fill the kettle for just one drink.

Low-cost tips

• If you have a hot water cylinder, make sure it's well insulated.
• Insulate hot water pipes to stop heat escaping.
• Use low wattage energy-saving light bulbs where possible.
• Fix brush or PVC seals on exterior doors.
• Fit a nylon brush seal or spring flap to your letter box.
• Fix shelves above radiators to deflect warm air into the room.
• Tape polythene across draughty window frames.
• Put aluminium foil behind radiators against outside walls.

Insulation

You should also insulate your home to reduce energy loss. Read on for further information.