Energy saving at home

Taking steps to save energy at home can save you money and make a real difference to the environment.

Green energy suppliers

Green energy generally means that your electricity comes from renewable sources, such as wind or hydroelectric power. Switching to a green energy supplier will reduce your impact on the environment.

Search by postcode for green energy suppliers in your area:

• Energylinx website
• Green Electricity Marketplace website

Electrical appliances

• Switch off appliances when you're not using them – leaving them on standby can waste £30 a year per household.
• Borrow a free home electricity monitor from your library for three weeks. Clip the monitor onto the wires from your electricity meter to see how much energy you use and the cost of turning on electrical items, such as the TV and kettle. There are two types of monitor – you can check where they are available using our E-library online catalogue.
  • Find your local library
  • Current Cost energy monitor
  • Eco Eye energy mini real-time electricity monitor
• Buy appliances that are energy efficient, see Energy Saving Trust website – Products for your home.

Find out more:

• Directgov – Saving energy in your home
• BBC Bloom – Choosing energy efficient appliances.

Insulation and heating

Almost half the heat in your home is lost through the roof and walls. Checking your heating settings and improving your insulation can cut your bills and reduce impact on the environment.

• The maximum recommended temperature for heating is 19°c and costs can rise by 10% for each 1°c increase.
• Choose an energy efficient boiler, see Energy Saving Trust website – Heating and hot water.
• You may be eligible for a grant to help with the cost of insulating your home, see Energy efficiency grants.

For more ideas about insulation and heating, see:

• Energy Saving Trust
• Directgov – Insulating and heating your home efficiently.

Water

For tips and advice on using less water at home, including links to free and reduced-price water saving products, see our page:

• Saving water.

Lighting

• Fit energy saving lightbulbs, see Energy Savings Trust – Energy saving lighbulbs and fittings.
• Make use of daylight – clean windows, roof lights and light fittings to improve lighting levels.