Energy saving advice and grants

If you are struggling to pay you gas, water or electricity bill, or feel you are paying too much, this section contains hints and tips on things you can do to lower your bills and make your home more energy efficient.

Quick tips:

• Try to only use the tumble dryer (one of the most costly appliances in the home) when you can’t use the sun and fresh air to dry your clothes. There are drying days in winter, not just summer.
• Try not to leave your phone charging all night, as most modern mobile phones need only 2-3 hours to charge. Overcharging can also damage the battery on some modern phones.
• Keep out cold draughts by fitting draught excluders to your front door, letter box and key hole.
• Defrosting your freezer regularly makes it more efficient, not to mention easier to find the peas!
• Whenever practical, try and wait to wash a full load of washing. Two half-loads use twice the energy and water.
• Keep an eye on the energy rating stated on appliances - a higher energy rating should mean lower running costs over the lifetime of the product. Think carefully before buying new appliances - less expensive/efficient models may cost you more in the long run.
• Ensure your TV, desktop computer and other electrical items aren’t left on standby - the Energy Saving Trust suggests UK households spend between £50 - £90 a year on appliances left in standby mode. Power save plugs can turn off items hassle free and are available online and in electrical retailers.
• When making a brew, use only the water you need, this will save you energy and time as it will heat your water more quickly.
• Get in to the habit of switching lights off in unused rooms, especially when you leave the house.
• Use the timing function on your heating system to switch your heating off when no-one is in and warm up the house ready for when you wake up, or come home from work. There are now many companies who offer remote controlled thermostats and apps, to help you do this from your phone.

This section also includes information about switching energy suppliers, replacing boilers/heating systems, and works you can do to your home including loft and cavity/solid wall insulation.

The Energy Savings Trust also provides independent and impartial advice to help consumers in lowering emissions and cut their energy bills.