How can I save energy at home and reduce my fuel bills?
Hounslow Energy Helpline gives free impartial advice on how to save on your fuel bills, and help protect the environment.
Call us free on 0800 281 768
to discuss how you might be able to save energy in the home.
We can tell you about:
how to reduce your fuel bills, saving you money and energy and helping the environment
grants and discount schemes for heating and insulation
understanding fuel bills and choosing a gas or electricity supplier
renewable energy options and schemes eg, grants for solar panels
energy schemes running in your area
Call Hounslow Energy Help Line on 0800 281768 and we’ll send you an easy-to-answer home energy check.
Complete the questionnaire and we’ll post you a free detailed customised report showing how you can save on your fuel bills.
Alternately, complete our online check at: www.est.org.uk/check
Energy saving tips for you home
Televisions, videos, stereos, computers, and cordless phones
To cut down on wasted energy, avoid leaving appliances on standby and remember not to leave them on charge unnecessarily. But check the operation manual to make sure that this won't reset the appliance's memory.
Fridges
Don't leave the door open for longer than necessary, as cold air will escape. Avoid putting hot or warm food straight into the fridge; allow it to cool down first. Defrost your fridge regularly to keep it running efficiently and cheaply.
Kettles
Heat the amount of water you really need and if you're using an electric kettle, make sure you cover the elements.
Taps
In just one day, a badly dripping hot water tap can waste energy and enough water to fill a bath. Make sure they're off.
Plug it
Always put the plug in your basin or sink. Leaving hot water taps running with it removed is akin to washing money down the plughole.
Lights
Always turn them off when you leave a room and adjust your curtains or blinds to let in as much light as possible during the day.
Showers
An ordinary shower uses only two-fifths of the water needed for a bath. If you don't have a shower why not buy special attachments for your bath taps? They're widely available.
Washing machine and tumble dryers
Always wash a full load and if you can't, use a half-load or economy programme if your machine has one. Always use the low temperature programme bearing in mind that modern washing powders will be just as effective at lower temperatures. And don't put really wet clothes into a tumble dryer; wring them out or spin-dry them first. It's much faster and it will save you money.
Dishwashers
Try and use the low temperature programme, and ensure you wash a full load.
Pots and pans
Choose the right size pan for the food and cooker (the base should just cover the cooking ring) and keep lids on when cooking. With gas, the flames only need to heat the bottom of the pan. If they lick up the side then you're wasting heat. And don't use more water than you need because it doesn't only waste energy, but it spoils food.
Curtains
Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows, saving £15 per year.
Heating
Too warm? Don't waste your money - turn your thermostat down by 1°C. It could cut your heating bills by up to 10%. Saving: around £30 per year.
Hot water
Of course it should be hot, but it doesn't need to be scalding. The cylinder thermostat should be set no lower or higher than 60°C/140°F, saving up to £10 per year.
Call the Hounslow Energy Helpline on 0800 281 768 for other ways to save energy and what measures could be installed, at what cost and how.
