Energy Efficiency
Energy used in homes is responsible for over a quarter of all UK emissions of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas causing climate change.
As part of our decent homes schedule we are making thousands of homes more energy efficient through new UPVC doors, double glazing windows, high-efficiency boilers and central heating systems.
You can play a part too!
Making your home as energy efficient as possible will reduce carbon emissions and also save you over £300 a year on your fuel bills. Follow these simple tips to save money and the planet too!
In the kitchen
- Boil a kettle with only as much water as you need
- Turn your central heating down by one degree to save 10 per cent
- Cover pots and pans when cooking – they will boil a lot quicker
- Match the size of the cooking ring to the size of the saucepan to avoid heating air
- Cook several different foods on one ring with a steamer
- 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
- Defrost your fridge and freezer regularly and avoid putting hot food in the freeze
- Try not to leave your fridge door open, as it takes energy to cool down again
Washing clothes
- Washing clothes at 30 degrees can be just as effective for a normally soiled load
- Run your washing machine or dishwasher with full loads
- Avoid tumble drying – dry clothes outdoors or on indoor dryers when possible to save money and energy
Heating and hot water
- Turning your central heating down by one degree could cut your heating bills by up to 10 per cent
- Turn down your immersion heater temperature by one degree – you'll save energy and you're unlikely to notice the difference
Lighting
- 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
- Try to remember to switch the lights off every time you leave a room
