What can you do to save energy?

What can you do to save energy? Blog by Brian Rankin, Energy Manager

Most people would agree that saving energy is a good idea.  We have limited natural resources and every time we leave something running unnecessarily we are needlessly using up those resources, and wasting money at the same time.  Because most of our energy comes from fossil fuels we can also have a positive impact on the environment when we use energy wisely.

We’re all familiar with ways in which we can save energy and most of us will know straight away the changes we can make at home or at work.  Throughout Energy Week 2015 we’ve been tweeting some suggestions and below are just a few of the ways you can start saving energy today.

More advice and support is available from organisations such as the Energy Saving Trust, the Citizens Advice Bureau and Bryson Energy.

Don’t forget that it’s also important to think about how much you pay for your energy and so please check our website again tomorrow for more information around switching suppliers.

• Make sure your radiators are not obstructed by curtains or furniture
• Draw your curtains at dusk to help keep heat inside your rooms
• Don’t leave windows open for long periods of time
• If drying clothes inside use a clothes rail instead of hanging them over a radiator, which would block heat from your room
• Only fill your kettle with the amount of water you need, making sure to cover the kettle element. Overfilling kettles in the UK wastes enough energy to power 50% of the nation’s street lights!
• Don’t leave the fridge door open and try to avoid putting hot or warm food straight into your fridge
• Check the energy labels on new appliances for estimated annual electricity consumption
• Cover saucepans with lids whenever possible and use a pan which is the same size as the cooker ring
• Many modern ovens, particularly those with fans, need little or no preheating
• When using a dishwasher always wash a full load
• If possible use a washing up bowl in the kitchen sink so you use less hot water.
• Use a low temperature setting and only wash full loads or use a half-load or economy programme
• Dry clothes outside in warmer weather
• Use the shortest setting needed on your tumble dryer
• Take a shower instead of a bath – a bath can use up to five times as much hot water as a shower.