Saving Energy
Why should we save energy?
The issue of Climate Change is putting the pressure on us all to take steps to save energy by reducing the amount of energy that we use and using energy more efficiently.
Reducing the amount of energy that we use saves money and helps combat climate change by cutting carbon emissions.
In 2005 the Energy Saving Trust commissioned some research called Energy and Waste in an Age of Excess.
This research predicted that UK householders could waste £72 billion worth of energy and generate 750 million tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2020 if we carry on as we are.
The research also identified chargeable and electrical appliances as contributing to excessive energy wastage in the UK. The Energy Saving Trust study estimates that:
- Stereos left on standby waste £290m worth of energy and 1.6m tonnes of carbon dioxide
- VCRs left on standby waste £175m worth of energy and 960,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide
- TVs left on standby waste £88m worth of energy and 480,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide
- Games consoles left on standby waste £70m worth of energy and 390,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide
- Computer monitors - £41m worth of energy and 220,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide
- DVD players - £19m worth of energy and 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide
- Set top boxes - £11m worth of energy and 60,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide
How can we save energy?
Reducing energy use, using energy more efficiently, recycling and reducing waste are important starting points for everyone.
It has been calculated by the Energy Saving Trust that up to 12 different gadgets are left on standby or charging at home at any one time. Simple changes in behaviour such as turning lights off, not leaving TVs and videos on standby, buying energy efficient appliances and not heating water unnecessarily in immersion heaters will help reduce the need for energy.
Saving energy can be done at home, when you travel, in the school or workplace and in very large industries. Everyone can make a difference.
Simple Energy Efficiency Tips for your home
Heating – Don’t over heat your home. Turn the thermostat down on your heating system. By reducing the temperature by 1ºC you could cut your heating bills by up to 10 per cent and save around £30 per year. Condensing boilers are the most energy efficient and can save around a third of annual heating bills.
Water - Insulate the hot water tank and set the thermostat to 60°C. Have a shower and not a bath – it uses less water. Make sure you get dripping taps fixed and when boiling the kettle only put in as much water as is needed.
Lighting – use low energy lightbulbs around the house. They are slightly more expensive than normal lightbulbs but they last 12 - 15 times longer and use less energy. Always turn off the lights when you leave a room.
Insulation – Stop heat escaping from your house by installing cavity wall insulation and loft insulation. Up to 35% of the heat in the home is lost through walls and up to 25% through the roof. Installing cavity wall insulation can save up to £120 per year from heating bills and loft insulation can save up to £170 every year. Adding window and door draft excluders and drawing the curtains at dusk will help keep heat in the home.
Cooking – make sure pots and pans are covered when you are cooking. Use just enough water to cover vegetables. Microwaves use less energy than ovens.
Washing – Wash your clothes on a 40°C washing machine cycle this will use a third less energy than the 60°C cycle. If you are not doing a full load always use the half-load or economy programme.
Appliances – the most efficient fridge’s and freezers and the cheapest to run are the ‘A’ rated ones. Don’t leave doors open for longer than is required and defrost them regularly. Don't leave other appliances such as TVs, DVDs and stereos on standby and remember not to leave appliances such as mobile phones on charge unnecessarily. Remember to turn off the TV and stereo if you are not in the room.
The Energy Saving Trust North East Advice Centre
Offers advice and support on how to save energy in your home and provides information on how to access grants and offers from local retailers.
North East Advice Centre
18b Manor Way
Belasis Hall Technology Park
Billingham
TS23 4HN
T: 01642 373020
F: 01642 564221