Energy saving tips

Energy suppliers often have a range of reduced tariffs and must tell you if there's a cheaper plan on your bill and annual statement.
Your bill might be based on estimate readings. Check your bill against your meter and if the readings are different ask for an amended bill.
Consider switching suppliers. The freephone Energy Helpline - 0800 074 0745 - compares all major suppliers in the UK to help you find the best deal.
Make sure you check any scheme you sign up to doesn't lock you in for a long time or incur penalties for leaving.
Energy monitors tell you how much gas and electricity you use. Some suppliers offer free monitors when you sign up, or you can buy them for around £20-50.

Turning down your thermostat by just 1°C can cut your fuel bills by up to 10 per cent, saving you about £70 a year.
Set the heating to come on 15-30 minutes before you need it and to go off 30 minutes before you leave the house.
Turn radiators off in rooms you're not using, keep furniture away from radiators and use radiator panels to reflect heat back into the room.
Use draft excluders and draft proofing tape around windows, doors, letter boxes and keyholes. You could save £50 a year just by draft proofing.
Zipping up your hot water cylinder with a 75mm lagging jacket could save you £35 per year but cost just £10.
Shutting the curtains will stop heat escaping through your windows and doors after dark, but don't pull them over radiators or you'll lose heat.

Water meters let you pay for your water in advance. Visit the Citizens Advice page on water meters to find out if a water meter could help you.
You are entitled to a free water meter installation from your water company, providing it isn't impractical or unreasonably expensive.
If you have a shower, encourage your family to shower rather than have a bath; a five minute shower uses about 30 per cent less water.
Take a close look at your cylinder thermostat - there's no need for it to be set higher than 60°C/140°F.

By switching off lights in empty rooms and corridors, you can save up to 15 per cent on your bill.
Keep a lid on your cooking. Use just enough water to cover food, or use a steamer. Boil cooking water in the kettle not the saucepan.
Cooking smaller pieces of food is quicker and cheaper.
Washing at 30°C uses 40 per cent less electricity than higher temperatures. Try as much as you can to wash at 30°C and to wash full loads.
Next time you replace an appliance, look for cheaper, more efficient 'A' rated devices. Appliances account for about 47 per cent of energy bills.
Appliances can use energy when on standby, so get into the habit of turning them off. An average household can save £30-£40 a year just by doing this.

Get the whole family involved in thinking about ways to save energy; they'll become very energy conscious and may well think of something we haven't.

Contact a family