Here are some energy saving tips to get you started. If you would like to know more, have a look at the downloads section for more factsheets, information booklets, articles and tools. The photo gallery shows some examples of energy-saving house refurbishments and photos of the ENLEN team and events.
Energy Saving Tips
1. Reduce demand - keep the heat in!
Heating and hot water accounts for around 80% of a households total energy bill, so don't let it go to waste! Insulating your loft and walls can dramatically reduce your heat loss and make your home feel warmer and more comfortable, whilst saving you up to £365 per year compared to an un insulated house. Grants are available to everyone for this, regardless of income or age. Those over 70 or in receipt of income or disability related benefits are entitled to free insulation, and everyone else can get funding for around 50% of the cost. Contact the Energy Saving Trust advice centre on 0800 512 012 to find out what you are eligible for.
As well as insulating your home you can cut heat loss by draught proofing your windows and doors wherever you feel cold air coming in. If you have a separate hot water tank this should be lagged with either spray foam insulation or a hot water tank jacket. These jackets cost around £15 and can save you up to £35 per year! Insulating the pipes around your home to stop heat being lost can save you a further £10 - £15 per year.
Older, single glazed windows can let the warmth escape, but changing windows can be an expensive improvement to make. If you are unable to upgrade your glazing, why not buy heavier curtains, or invest in a foil backed roller blind. Research suggests some of these alternatives can do almost as good a job as a double glazed unit, and for a fraction of the cost!
2. Choose energy savers
Using energy efficient lightbulbs is one of the easiest ways to save energy and money. Every bulb you install will save you between £3 - £8 per year, and unlike conventional bulbs will last for around 10 years! These are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes now, and most warm up within 10 - 15 seconds of being switched on.
When you are buying a new electrical appliance, look for the Energy Saving Recommended logo which shows the product has been tested by the Energy Saving Trust and is not an energy waster. Many products now display energy performance labels which give the appliance a rating from A - G depending on how efficient it is (A being highly efficient and G being poor efficiency). Its worth investing a bit more to buy an efficient appliance, as over the life of that appliance it is likely to pay you back your investment and more in savings on your energy bills.
3. Break bad habits
Saving energy doesn't have to mean investing money. Here are our top 10 FREE ways to save energy:
- Turn your thermostat down by 1 degree... you wont notice the temperature difference but it will save around 10% from your fuel bill
- Don't leave things on standby... check around your house for little red lights, they are costing you money!
- Try not to over fill your kettle when you boil it
- Close curtains at dusk to stop heat being lost through the windows
- Defrost your freezer regularly to keep it working efficiently
- Keep furniture from blocking heat sources such as radiators. Putting foil behind a radiator or a shelf above it will help the heat circulate quicker
- Put lids on your pans when cooking; this can reduce energy use and cooking time by up to 1/3rd
- Is your hot water too hot? The ideal setting for the thermostat is 60 degrees
- Learn how to use your heating and hot water controls effectively... if you are unsure contact us for further assistance
4. Make good choices
Check for alternatives - When your gas or oil fired boiler packs up, or when you decide its time to replace those old storage heaters, don't just replace like for like, investigate some of the alternatives too. Wood fired heating and heat pumps are becoming more common place these days, and if you do decide to replace like for like then go for the most efficient product available. Don't forget to check with the Energy Saving Scotland advice centre to see what grants you can get towards improvements (0800 512 012).
Generate your own - Once you have your energy efficiency sorted, you can think about generating your own energy. The most accessible technology is solar water heating/, and even in our climate you can still generate a significant amount of hot water all year. If you have a South or South-West / South-East facing roof, this could be a possibility for you. You can also buy solar panels which generate electricity (photovoltaic panels). Have a look at the Energy Saving Trusts page on renewables to find out about some of these different technologies.
Green energy - You can choose to have your electricity supplied on a green tariff... but how green is green? Some fuel suppliers will charge you extra to be on a 'green' tariff, but only a meagre 6% needs to come from renewable sources for them to call the tariff 'green'. There are suppliers who can sell you 100% renewable energy. Have a look at this article for interesting comparisons between the various suppliers. (adobe PDF document, 1.5MB)
Have a look at the Go Greener Scotland and the Energy Saving Trust websites for more information and ideas.
