Energy Saving Tips

Read our helpful hints ant tips to help you reduce your gas usage and save money on your future bills:

Heating & Water

• Did you know that turning your heating down by 1% c could save you up to 10% on your bill?
• Did you know that if your boiler is more than 15 years old it could be up to 35% less efficient that a new A rated condensing boiler?
• Use your central heating timer to turn heating on and off and not the thermostat.
• Keep your radiators clear. For example, do not put a large sofa in front of the radiator as it will absorb a lot of the heat.
• For properties with high ceilings, placing a shelf just above the radiator helps to deflect the heat into the centre of the room rather than it drifting straight up to the ceiling.
• Put radiator panels behind radiators fixed to external walls to help reflect the heat back into the room.
• Put draft excluders around the doors and windows. Draft proofing could save you around £25 a year on your heating bills.[1]
• Use thermal or heavy curtains during the winter and close them at dusk. This will help stop heat escaping through the windows.
• Remove all draughts around the house to help stop the heat from escaping.
• Use letter box covers and key hole covers to help minimise draft.
• Installing cavity wall insulation could save around £135 a year.
• Installing loft insulation could save around £175 a year.
• Fit double glazing to reduce heat loss through windows.
• Try to limit electric showers to 10 minutes or invest in a shower monitor to keep an eye on how much hot water you're using.
• Make sure the water immersion tank is insulated. This will help keep the water hot for a longer period.

Cooking

• When boiling vegetables use just enough water to keep them covered.
• Use the kettle to boil water for cooking, instead of heating a pan on the stove. Not only will this be more efficient, but it generally takes less time too.
• Always use the right size of pan for your cooking ring and put a lid on it. This will help save energy as it will cook quicker.
• Make sure the gas flame only heats the bottom of the pan. This will help save gas and also stops the handle from getting hot and burning your hand.
• Make sure taps are fully turned off after use. This will help save both water and gas.
• Use a microwave or a pressure cooker instead of the oven as they should cook food quicker.
• A steamer or segmented pan means you can cook several types of vegetables on one ring.
• Don't keep the oven door open for too long when it is in use.
• Switch off the oven sooner, as some dishes will cook while the oven is cooling.
• If you do not use the clock on your microwave turn it off when not in use.