Efficient use of energy in the home has three main benefits:
- Saves you money – reduces the cost of your fuel and electricity bills
- Warmer homes – increases comfort levels through draught proofing and insulation
- Reduces emissions – the less fuel/power we use, the less damaging emissions are released by power stations which contributes to minimising damage to the environment as well as saving our natural resources
Energy efficiency in kitchens
The following measures will help reduce the amount of energy you use in the kitchen and they cost nothing to implement:
- Defrost your refrigerator regularly; this will help to keep it running efficiently.
- Do not leave the fridge door open longer than necessary and avoid putting hot food straight into the fridge, let it cool down first.
- Choose the right size pan for the food and cooker, the base should cover an electric cooker ring.
- Keep lids on pans while cooking (which also helps to reduce condensation).
- Do not fill up the kettle for just one drink, only heat the amount of water you need but always remember to cover the element of the electric kettle
Energy efficiency in bedrooms and living rooms
- Remember to turn off lights when you leave an empty room
- Closing curtains at night helps to keep the heat in but do not drape curtains over the top of radiators; this just directs the heat out through the window
- It is more energy efficient and safer to switch off and unplug electrical appliances when they are not in use
Energy efficiency in bathrooms
- Remember to put the plug in a basin or sink; leaving hot water taps running without the plug is wasteful
- Energy efficient light bulbs cost more than ordinary bulbs but should last eight times longer and use only a quarter of the electricity