Energy efficiency: advice and checks

Energy tips: save your 20 percent!

Follow these energy efficiency measures to make your home easier and cheaper to heat - and help prevent climate change too.

It's especially important for people on low incomes, whose homes are often the hardest and most expensive to keep warm; and for people who are at home all day or who have higher heating needs because of illness or disability.

Turn your heating down by just one degree; it can reduce your fuel bill by 10 percent!
Fit a hot water cylinder jacket on your tank, and insulate all hot water pipes
Get an energy-efficient boiler - it can save £180 a year
Insulate your home so it's cosy all year - your loft should have at least 250mm (10 inches) of insulation to stop heat escaping.
Use a draught-proofing seal on doors and windows
Use low energy bulbs where possible - they're cheaper to run and last much longer
Draw the curtains when it goes dark to keep in the warmth
Look out for the energy-saving logo (external site) when you shop for new appliances like a washing machine or fridge
Take a shower instead of a bath - it uses just a third of the water
Don't leave your TV and other electric appliances on stand-by - switch them off to save fuel
Making a brew? Only boil the amount of water you need - cuppas taste better when they're made with fresh water
Switch off the lights in rooms you're not using
Save in the kitchen; put lids on saucepans and use just enough water to cover the food; use a microwave to cook small meals; defrost your freezer regularly, so it doesn't have to work so hard.