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Energy saving tips

You may find our tips useful when looking for ways to improve your energy efficiency and cost savings, such as:

  • turning appliances off at the wall plug can reduce electricity usage by around 50 percent, rather than leaving them on standby
  • turning room thermostat down by 1 degree celsius could cut your fuel bill by 10 percent per year
  • fitting an insulation jacket to the hot water cylinder could save you around £35 per year
  • installing cavity wall and loft insulation can save on your heating bulls, as up to 35 percent of heat is lost through uninsulated walls and up to 25 percent of heat is lost through an uninsulated roof
  • replacing light bulbs with energy saving bulbs, as these use 80 percent less electricity and last up to six years longer
  • set your cylinder thermostat to 60 degrees celsius, as water does not need to be scalding hot for general household use
  • regularly defrosting freezers helps to avoid ice build up reduces energy use, as the freezer motor does not need to work as hard to maintain the temperature
  • only filling your kettle for the amount of water you need to boil
  • using the economy setting on your washing machine. 

Managing your energy bills

We want to help you beat the high cost of energy, so you can create savings on your gas and electricity bills, such as:

  • choosing a dual fuel tariff: buying both gas and electricity from the same supplier company can mean a discount
  • paying by Direct Debit: can save you up to 10 percent
  • paying online: paperless billing can save you up to 5 percent
  • using a price comparison website: you could find cheaper deals for your specific energy usage, by using websites such as Uswitch.com or EnergyHelpline.com
  • capped tariffs: are around 10 percent higher in cost as a fixed price, but they can mean long term savings against energy price changes on a variable rate contract
  • special energy tariffs: your supplier may be able to offer a special tariff if you receive certain benefits
  • hardship funds: energy suppliers often have funds to help those in energy debt.

You could check with your current energy supplier:

  • for any offers or reward schemes they might have
  • to ensure you're giving regular meter readings to avoid estimated bills, so that you're paying the right amount for the energy you use. 

Condensation and mould

Condensation is caused by moisture in the air during cold weather. It can be seen on windows, on mirrors when you have a bath or shower, on cold surfaces such as tiles or cold walls and can appear in corners or behind wardrobes and cupboards.

Condensation forms on cold surfaces and in places where there is not enough air ventilation. If there is a 'tidemark' on walls, this dampness might be from water leaking into your home from a plumbing fault, loose roof tiles or rising damp. 

Excessive condensation can lead to mould growth on walls and furniture, mildew on clothes and other fabrics and cause wooden window frames to rot. Damp humid conditions also provides an environment for house dust mites to multiply.

Tips to beat condensation and mould in your home

Gas heating systems

By controlling your heating system more effectively you can:

  • improve comfort in the home
  • reduce your energy use therefore your fuel bills
  • avoid the risk of condensation
  • reduce your impact on the environment.

Tips for using gas heating systems

Electric heating systems

By controlling your electric heating system more effectively, you can:

  • improve comfort in the home
  • reduce your energy use therefore your fuel bills
  • avoid the risk of condensation
  • reduce your impact on the environment.

Tips for using electric heating systems