Ideas - How can I Save Energy?

• Get your loft insulated and if you have cavity walls get them insulated too
• Replace those old-fashioned energy guzzling light bulbs with energy saving one. They’re not expensive, each one could save you about £10 a year and they last for years.
• Turning down your thermostat by 1°C could cut your fuel bills by 10%
• Get your heating system under control by fitting modern timers and thermostats – and make sure you know how to use them!
• Is your water too hot? The thermostat on your hot water cylinder should be set no higher than 60°C. And make sure your cylinder is well insulated.
• Don’t leave appliances on standby – they still use up energy
• Always buy ‘Energy Efficiency Recommended’ appliances- look for the logo
• When making a cup of tea only fill the kettle up with the water you need – the kettle is the most energy hungry appliance in your home
• Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows
• Make sure gaps in doors, floors and windows are draught proofed to stop warm air going out and cold air getting in!

What Else Can I Do?

The 10% Challenge is pleased to be working in partnership with the Energy Savings Trust (EST) to help people to save energy.

The EST offer a free "Home Energy Check". This is an online questionnaire about your home energy useage. It produces a personalised report that outlines all the energy saving measures that you can take. The report will also show how much carbon and monetary savings you are making. It also provides useful tips and signposting for further information.

Nb. To meet national energy useage targets, the EST programme aims to reduce energy use by 20%.