Ways to save energy

and reduce costs

​

The Mid-Worcestershire & The Vale Green Party want to provide some advice to help the residents of Wychavon minimise the impacts from the huge energy price rises that are happening.

This collected list of energy saving tips are advice only and may not be relevant to all – and not all will be everyone’s “cup of tea”. However, we just wanted to provide a comprehensive list in order to generate ideas.

 

Useful Organisations:

• Warmer Worcestershire (Council Scheme) - call ‘Act on Energy’ on their Free phone Advice Line: 0800 988 2881. 

• Financial advice is offered by The Citizens Advice Bureau. You can phone their Adviceline on 0808 278 7891 Mon-Fri 10:00-16:00 or email them: enquiries.wychavon@citizensadvicesw.org.uk

• Ask your energy company - see what they can offer you.

• Housing Associations – phone their customer service helpline and ask them if they can help make your home more energy-efficient.

 

Energy Saving Tips:

• Educating the household – if you live with others, especially children, then try to educate them how to minimise energy use.

• Showering – limit time in shower and stop water whilst applying soap. Reduce flow rate where possible and consider installing a 6-litres/minute flow restrictor.

• Hot Water – If you have a timed hot water tank, then time the controls to just provide boosts to the hot water when you are likely need it. Older Hot Water tanks will benefit from an insulating (80mm thick at least) cylinder jacket which can be purchased online or at a local DIY store. Exposed hot water pipework should also be insulated.

• Kettle – only fill with just enough water.

• Dishwasher – use to maximum allowed capacity and use energy-efficiency program. Small loads could be washed in washing up bowl (not running water).

• Washing Machine – use to maximum capacity and lower temperatures e.g. try 20°C to see if performance is acceptable (increase slightly where required e.g. heavily soiled).

• Tumble Dryer – avoid using where possible. Keep filter clean to improve efficiency.

• Fridge-freezer – Keep frost-free. Think ahead with meals and use the fridge to defrost food.

• Turn-off Electrical Appliances – from lights to TVs; keeping them turned off when not needed at the switch/plug will save money.

• Kitchen tap – consider fitting an aerator which reduces the flow and is relatively easy to fit.

• Cooking – useful tips include:

  • use lids when cooking with pans and use the right sized pans.

  • Use the hob that is best sized for the pan being used.

  • If gas hobs are used, then don’t let the flames spill over the bottom.

  • A microwave can be the most efficient way to heat up food.

• Lighting – Change to LED Lighting which uses a lot less energy and last a lot longer. Sadly the up-front cost is more, but they do save a lot compared to other bulb-types over their lifetime. Which.co.uk have put together this useful guide to help you make the best decision -  https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/light-bulbs/article/five-tips-for-choosing-the-right-light-bulb-a5ZLF4v6VDlw

• Doors – Use draught-proofing strips around the door edges and draught excluders at the bottom. Letter boxes could have a brush or hinged-flap fitted internally.

• Windows – Fit draught-proofing strips around the frame.

• Other Draft-proofing Areas – The Energy Saving Trust have put together a comprehensive guide on sealing up the many routes that cold air can penetrate a house - https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/draught-proofing/

• Curtains – close curtains, but don’t let them drape over the radiators. Consider a thermal lining for the curtains to reduce heat loss further (or thermal curtains if buying new curtains). You could fit blinds in addition to curtains to create additional thermal barriers.

• Unused Rooms – Turn radiator down (no lower than frost-protection setting), close internal door and leave curtains closed. Room to be aired out every so often during the warmer part of the day.

• Smart Controls – They can provide an easy way to only heat your dwelling when required and to the required temperature.

• Warm clothing – You can turn down the heating slightly when using warmer clothes like a jumper. Each degree change around 18°C will increase or decrease your heating bill by around 10% according to the Energy Saving Trust.

• Smart Meters – They are fitted by your energy company for free and can show you live data of what your energy bill is. The Energy Saving Trust have produced a useful guide - https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/guide-to-smart-meters/

 

Larger Energy-efficiency Measures

• Roof Insulation – consider topping up loft insulation to around 400mm or more in thickness.

• External Wall Cavity Insulation – If you have the opportunity to have the empty cavity in your external wall filled for free or cheaply, then it is strongly recommended.

• New Windows & Doors – If you looking to replace any windows or doors, then consider purchasing highly efficient versions and seek advice before purchasing.

• Boiler – consider investing in an Air Source Heat Pump, especially with the £5,000 grant that will be available from April 2022 for the first 90,000 installs.

• Buying new appliances – Which.co.uk have put together a comprehensive guide to selecting energy-efficient appliances at - https://www.which.co.uk/news/2021/10/how-to-make-big-savings-with-an-energy-efficient-appliance/