Energy Saving - some practical hints

The following hints will help you save energy and cut down on wastage:

1. Only boil as much water as you need - but if you're using an electric kettle, make sure the element is properly covered.

2. Turn down your thermostat by 1 degree Centigrade.

3. Don't leave electrical gadgets on standby.

4. Replace some of your bulbs with low energy bulbs (compact fluorescents).

5. Consider using cavity wall insulation, but get advice - if you block the cavity it can cause problems with damp in some houses.

6. If there's room, put in more loft insulation.

7. Leave your car at home for short journeys.

Other recommendations you might hear.....

8. Wash your laundry at a lower temperature.

ND comment - some detergents work ok at lower temparatures, but in general , lower temperatures mean a poorer wash. It's your choice. An alternative is to wash clothes less frequently. Remember that your grandmother probably had one wash day a week.

9. Instal a more efficient boiler

ND comment - condensing boilers are a lot more efficient than older designs. But before you instal, speak to someone who has one. If you take a bath, does it use up all the hot water for the rest of the day? Find out before you buy - boilers are not cheap. And - obviously - don't replace until your old boiler has reached the end of its life. Wasting boilers is as bad as wasting energy.

10. The Energy-Saving Logo
The logo "Energy Saving Recommended" is present on many appliances. If you believe the publicity, devices with this logo use a lot less energy.

ND comment ...Perhaps they do - but don't buy an appliance just because it has a government-inspired logo. Find someone who's bought one first.

To this, I would add - don't buy new stuff for the sake of it. Landfill sites are in short supply - and they are where most of our waste ends up.

N.D., Habitat21 website

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