Energy saving tips

Saving energy is good for the environment and for your pocket. There are lots of ways to save and you will find comprehensive guidance in our energy efficiency section but here are ten quick and simple tips that you could benefit from immediately.

1. Boil a kettle with only as much water as you need

2. Cover pots and pans when cooking – they will boil a lot quicker

3. Defrost your freezer regularly and avoid putting hot food in the freezer

4. There’s emerging research that using a microwave rather than a conventional oven to heat up a small amount of food may save you energy

5. Washing clothes at 30° C can be just as effective for a normally soiled load

6. Run your washing machine or dishwasher with full loads

7. Avoid tumble drying – dry clothes outdoors or on indoor dryers when possible to save money and energy

8. Turning your central heating down by 1° C could cut your heating bills by up to 10%

9. Turn down your immersion heater temperature by 1° C – you’ll save energy and you’re unlikely to notice the difference

10. Use energy efficient light bulbs – if every UK home installed three of them, it would save enough energy to power all the UK’s street lights