Information from British Gas
Cooking Tips
- When boiling vegetables use just enough water to keep them covered.
- Use the kettle to boil water for cooking, instead of heating a pan on the stove. Not only will this be more efficient, but it generally takes less time too.
- Always use the right size of pan for your cooking ring and put a lid on it. This will help save energy as it will cook quicker.
- Make sure the gas flame only heats the bottom of the pan. This will help save gas and also stops the handle from getting hot and burning your hand.
- Make sure taps are fully turned off after use. This will help save both water and gas.
- Use a microwave or a pressure cooker instead of the oven as they should cook food quicker.
- A steamer or segmented pan means you can cook several types of vegetables on one ring.
- Don't keep the oven door open for too long when it is in use.
- Switch off the oven sooner, as some dishes will cook while the oven is cooling.
- If you do not use the clock on your microwave turn it off when not in use.
Fridge and Freezer Tips
- Keep your fridge at the optimum temperature of around 3°C to 5°C.
- Load and unload your fridge as quickly as possible and don't leave the fridge door open for longer than you need to.
- Defrost your fridge or freezer on a regular basis to help prevent a build up of ice.
- Keep fridges and freezers away from cookers and direct sunlight.
- Get the feather duster out - when dust gathers on the condenser coils at the back of your fridge it can increase its energy consumption.
- Replacing an inefficient fridge-freezer with an A+ or A++ rated model can save up to £37 a year.
Laundry Tips
- Use an economy programme on your washing machine whenever possible.
- If the weather is fine, dry your laundry outside instead of using the tumble dryer.
- As tempting as it is, don't dry clothes on the radiators. It makes your boiler work harder than it needs to.
- Keep filters clean in your tumble dryer.
- Use Eco Balls in the tumble dryer. They make gaps in the washing to allow the heat to move more freely so clothes will dry quicker.
Heating and Water Tips
- Use your central heating timer to turn heating on and off and not the thermostat.
- Keep your radiators clear. For example, do not put a large sofa in front of the radiator as it will absorb a lot of the heat.
- For properties with high ceilings, placing a shelf just above the radiator helps to deflect the heat into the centre of the room rather than it drifting straight up to the ceiling.
- Put radiator panels behind radiators fixed to external walls to help reflect the heat back into the room.
- Use thermal or heavy curtains during the winter and close them at dusk. This will help stop heat escaping through the windows.
- Remove all draughts around the house to help stop the heat from escaping and save up to £55 per year.
- Installing cavity wall insulation could save around £140 a year.
- Installing loft insulation could save around £180 a year.
- Fit double glazing to reduce heat loss through windows.
- Try to limit electric showers to 10 minutes or invest in a shower monitor to keep an eye on how much hot water you're using.
- Make sure the water immersion tank is insulated. This will help keep the water hot for a longer period.
- Replace boilers older than 15 years old. Also, installing a new condensing boiler and controls could save you up to £310 a year.
- Installing a hot water cylinder jacket could save you up to £45 a year.
- Installing primary pipe work insulation could save you up to £15 a year.
Electrical Item Tips
- Use energy saving light bulbs. They last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs, and using one can save you around £50 over the lifetime of the bulb.
- Ensure all electrical appliances are turned off at the plug when not in use. Some items can still use energy when plugged even if the appliance has been turned off.
Information taken from Walsall Council
Kitchen/laundry
- Cook several dishes in one session – you can use a tiered steamer when cooking on the hob, and all the shelves when using the oven.
- Avoid opening the oven door unnecessarily - every time you do, the temperature drops by around 15C (59F). Never put warm or hot food straight into the fridge or freezer.
- Boil the right amount for every cup of tea, rather than filling the kettle.
- Avoid accumulating gadgets unnecessarily - even hand-operated ones – as around six million kitchen appliances a year end up in landfill sites.
- Use your washing machine at cooler settings - a 40C wash uses a third less electricity than a 60C load – and always put in a full load.
- Sort your laundry before ironing so that you iron delicates on a low setting first, working your way through to fabrics such as linen, which need the highest setting, such as linen.
- Choose the right size pan and use lids that retain heat and reduce condensation. When cooking with gas, adjust the flame to fit the diameter of the pan to avoid heat wastage.
- Run your dishwasher on its economy setting with a full load - it can use less water than washing dishes by hand.
- Regular defrosting keeps fridges and freezers running well and cuts running costs.
- Don't site fridges/freezers next to cooker or boilers.
Bathroom
- Have a shower instead of a bath – it uses far less energy.
- Put the plug in when washing your hands and never leave taps running.
- Fix leaky taps – don’t waste precious water.
- Insulate your hot water cylinder. An insulating jacket only costs a few pounds and could save you around £10 per year.
Living areas/bedrooms
- Turning down room thermostats by 1°C could save 10% on your fuel bill! (remember to be sensible - don't risk the health of the old or vulnerable).
- Fit a timer programmer so you can pre-set your heating and water to come on and go off to suit your needs.
- Place heat reflectors behind radiators attached to outside walls to reduce the amount of heat lost to the outside. You can buy special radiator foil for this, but tin foil will do nearly as well. Make sure the shiny side faces the radiator.
- Close curtains at dusk to prevent heat escaping through windows - especially if your home is not double-glazed.
- Don't let your curtains drape in front of radiators.
- Only use electrical appliances when you really need them. Don't leave TV's or videos on standby - the appliances are still using electricity.
- Seal up any drafts in doors and windows using draft excluders.
- Stop unwanted draughts through the letterbox by fitting a nylon brush seal or spring flap.
- Use low energy light bulbs. They last longer and save you money.
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