Simple tips to save energy and money

The below tips are quick, easy and free ways to help you reduce the amount of energy you use.
  
Using Hot water bottles or Electric Blankets
 Using a hot water bottle or electric blanket is a low-cost way to keep cosy. Pop your hot water bottle in-between your sheets or your electric blanket on just before you got to bed.
 Please remember to have your electric blankets checked every three years, it’s also worth replacing it if it’s more than 10 years old.
Remember! If you’re keeping warm by using hot water bottles or an electric blanket, do not use both at the same time as it can be dangerous.
 Also check that your hot water bottle is not past its expiry date- you can check by looking at the daisy shaped stamp on the neck of the bottle. It’s advised to change your hot water bottle yearly.
  
Draught proofing your house
 Draught proofing your house makes a difference, keep the warm air in and the cold air out.
 By fitting draught-proof strips and draught excluders around doors, window film and sealing gaps around window frames you can save approximately £70 a year by draught proofing and it’s the cheapest way you can stop heat escaping.
 If you do fit any of these devices, make sure you leave some ventilation to reduce condensations and the build-up of waste gases from fuel burning appliances.
 Remember to keep doors closed wherever possible to stop warm or cool air from escaping.
  
Washing
 Make small changes to how and when you do your washing.
  
 Try to run your washing machine during off peak periods (your energy supplier will be able to tell you when these are).
 Do fewer, fuller washes and wash at a lower temperature. Modern washing machines can clean clothes effectively at lower temperatures. Changing from 40°C to 30°C means you could get 3 cycles instead of 2 using the same amount of energy, depending on your washing machine.
 Instead of using your tumble dryer, hang clothes to dry outside or inside with a window open for ventilation. This could save you up to £70 a year.
 If you get a new washing machine, make sure you check it has a good energy rating.
  
Kettle
 Fancy a cuppa? When you boil the kettle, fill it with just the right amount of water.
  
Windows and Radiators
 Remove obstructions from windows and radiators to make best use of daylight and make sure heating systems are operating efficiently.
 Close your blinds and curtains at night to stop warm air escaping. Especially if you have radiators situated below your windows.
 Reduce the temperature a boiler heats water to before it is sent to radiators (known as the boiler flow temperature) from 75⁰C to 60⁰C, which will not reduce the temperature of your home but could save around £100 annually.
 Turn down radiators fitted with valves in the rooms you don’t use. This can save you around £70 a year. Don’t turn them off completely as it means when the heating is needed in the room, your boiler has to use more energy to heat it up.
Remember! People over 65, children under 5 and those with pre-existing health conditions are more vulnerable to cold temperatures. Make sure you are warm enough and have a minimum indoor temperature of 18°C to ensure you protect your health while maintaining comfort.
  
Water
 Water saving wonders. Make sure you get dripping taps fixed. Take a shower instead of a bath, it uses a third of the amount of water!
  
Turn it off- Lights and Electricals
 Switch off lights and electrical equipment when not in use.
 Even when your computers, televisions, smart devices and video game consoles draw power continuously when unplugged. Turning appliances off at the plug could save approximately £70 per year.
  
Use a Slow Cooker and Planning Meals
Money and energy saving slow cooker recipes, shopping Lists and top tips can be found at www.tameside.gov.uk/slowcookerproject
  
Track your Energy with a Smart Meter
If you have a smart meter, there are apps such as Utrack by Uswitch which is free and allows you to track your hourly energy use over days, weeks, months or years.
 This can help you find the best ways to reduce usage and save on your energy bills in a safe and manageable way.
 Contact your energy provider to find out more about smart meters.
  
Visit the below for more money saving hints and tips
www.moneysavingexpert.com