Low cost ways to be more energy efficient and cut your energy bills

Curtains

• At night, pull the curtains to stop heat being lost through the windows Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.
  Savings: around £15 per year
• Take care not to drape curtains over radiators as this will funnel heat straight out of the windows

Heating

• If you are too warm, turn the thermostat down by 1degree C: this can cut up you 10% off your fuel bills If you are away for a few days then leave the thermostat on a low setting to provide protection from freezing without costing too much.
  Saving: around £15-£30 per year.
• You can also save on running costs by heating your home for an hour less each day
• Never cover the air flow vents on electric heaters

Water

• Remember not to set the thermostat too high on your water heater; 60°C/140°F is usually adequate for bathing and washing
• Use a shower if you have one and you'll save time, money and water
• Remember to put the plug in your basin or sink - leaving hot water taps running is both wasteful and expensive
• If you have a dripping tap ensure it is repaired quickly. In just one week, you could waste enough hot water to fill a bath

Lights

• Remember to turn off lights when you leave a room for long periods. If you use a light for an average of four hours or more a day, fit an energy-saving light bulb. It will use around a quarter of the electricity, and will last eight times longer than an ordinary bulb. Cost: around £5-£12
  Saving: around £10 per year

Television and stereo

• Switch off your TV, video and stereo at the set. Standby can use as much as 10%-60% of the electricity that would be used by the device if it was switched on.

Fridges and Freezers

• Defrost fridges and freezers regularly to keep them running efficiently
• Don't put hot or warm food straight into the fridge - let it cool down first
• Where possible, position your fridge or freezer away from cookers or heaters

Washing machines

• Where possible wait until you have a full load before using your washing machine
• Alternatively, use the half-load or economy programme if your machine has one

Dishwashers

• If you have a dishwasher use the low-temperature programme unless you have very dirty dishes

Cooking

Here are some ways to save energy when you cook:

• Use the right size pan for the food and cooker hob
• Keep saucepan lids on - this enables you to turn down the heat
• Don't use more water than you need
• Use a kettle to boil water for cooking
• Use a toaster rather than the grill to make toast
• Avoid over-filling the kettle for just one drink but be sure to cover the element

Low cost tips

Low energy light bulbs

• Use low energy light bulbs wherever you can as they use less than a quarter of the electricity used by ordinary light bulbs and can last up to 15 times longer!

Hot water cylinder jacket

• Putting a lagging jacket around your hot water tank and insulating hot water pipes can pay for itself in a few months and go on saving you money for years to come
• Always choose a British Standard jacket. An insulating jacket for your hot water tank costs only a few pounds, and will pay for itself within months. Fit one that is at least 3" thick and make sure a British Standard jacket is used. Costs: around £10
  Saving: around £20 per year

Draft Proofing

• Put draught strips around windows and outside doors and fit a flap across the letter-box.    Stop draughts and heat escaping by filling gaps under skirting boards, with newspaper, beading or mastic sealant.
  Cost: around £10.
  Saving: around £10 per year

Windows

Make sure your windows are insulated and draught proofed. A low-cost, short term alternative to double glazing is to tape polythene across window frames. You can use ordinary cling film or you can buy special products from D.I.Y. stores.
Costs: around £10
Saving: around £25 per year

There are alot of little tips above that will really help keep your home warmer and save you money and energy.
This website http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_10018661
has all the details under the Warm Front Scheme as to what grants are available to help with your heating and insulation. The Warm Front Scheme installs insulation and heating measures to make your home warmer, healthier and more energy efficient. You can only apply for a grant from the Warm Front Scheme if you live in England. Should you qualify, you will be eligible for heating and insulation measures up to the value of £3,500, or £6,000 where oil central heating and other alternative technologies are recommended.