SAVING ENERGY
Why?
The energy we use in our homes is made by burning fossil fuels such as coal and gas in electricity generators. These fuels emit massive amounst of CO2 into the atmosphere which is a key driver of climate change.
But it isn't just that, these fuels are not everlasting, one day they will run out. So it makes sense to be a bit more economical with how much we use.
And finally, think of the money! The less energy you use the less it will cost you, simple as that. So why not have a look through these pages and see how you can reduce your energy use, saving the planet and saving money at the same time.
Top Tips Advice Websites Energy Saving Gadgets Renewable Energy
Top Tips for Saving Energy
The following tips are just a brief overview, for more details please follow the links to the advice websites.
Insulating your walls makes a big difference, check out Act on Energy for all the information you need for both Cavity and Solid walls. There are lots of grants available and if you are over 70 you can get it completely free!
Other tips include draught proofing and installing double galzing and radiator reflectors.
Buy an energy monitor to monitor how much electricity you are using at all times, they are fairly cheap at £30-£50 and can save you hundreds within a year.
Check your loft insulation is 25cm or 10 inches thick. Up to 25% of heating can be lost through the loft. You can improve your insulation yourself fairly cheaply or get someone in to do it for you.
When boiling kettles - heat only the amount of water you actually need.
Switch your light bulbs to energy efficient bulbs
Turn off plugs at the wall, appliances like microwaves, TV's DVD players, phone chargers and printers to name but a few can drain power when plugged in even if they are not on.
Turn down your central heating by 1 degree to save up to 10% on your heating bills.
Contacts and advice to help you save energy at home.
Act on Energy. Advice on insulation, energy efficient appliances and heating, grants and more. 0800 988 2881
Energy Saving Community Great resource to help you save energy as a community, including ways to utilise alternative energy sources, energy sharing and renewable energy.
Compare energy costs of thousands of electrical appliances, including TVs, games consoles & white goods on the Sust-it website.
Energy Saving Trust- Partners with Act On Energy and offering similar advice, very detailed and covering lots of energy saving topics.
Energy Saving Products
The Rotaire Dryline A great product that can replace your tumble drier all year round by enabling you to dry outside. Saves you money.
Bye-Bye Standby Device to cut power to devices plugeed in but not in use. Saves the power which would otherwise be used in standby mode.
Low energy lightbulbs energy effiicient lightbulbs in all sorts of shapes, sizes and wattages are available.
Home Energy Monitors- Great gadgets for visualising your energy use and spotting those power hungry appliances.
Generating Your Own Renewable Energy
Once you have made your home as energy efficient as possible, you may wish to start generating power from renewable energy sources.
If you would like to discuss adding your business or organisation to the Green Directory please
email us.
Page Information:Last modification: 16:01:34, 29th May, 2009 by
Matthew Stockford Review date: 02nd October, 2009
