Best energy saving tips for 2010

• Turn your heating down by 1°C and save up to 10% on your energy bill - You want to make sure that heating and hot water are only provided when and where they're needed.
• A properly controlled heating system should have:
  • A programmer - to set 'on/off' periods. Some models switch the central heating and hot water on/off at the same time. Others allow hot water and the heating to come on and go off at different times.
  • A room thermostat - to select the required room temperature. Switches off your heating when your room gets to the right temperature. Set it between 18°C and 21°C.
  • A cylinder thermostat (if you have a separate hot water tank) - to control the temperature of the water in your hot water tank. Turn it down to 60°C for water that's hot enough to kill off harmful bacteria. Any higher and you'll not just waste energy, you'll also increase the risk of scalding.
  • Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRV's) - these let you control the temperature of each room separately. They sense the air temperature and switch radiators on and off automatically.
• Invest in some draft excluders to place at the bottom of doors - these will stop the heat from escaping and make your home rather retro! Go one better and try making them yourself with tights stuffed with newspapers. That will get the neighbour's talking!
• Don't walk all over your savings - opt for a good quality underlay next time you buy a carpet - this provides an excellent insulation which means you can turn that thermostat down another degree!

Source: The Energy Saving Trust

« View all news articles