Energy use

What can you do to help tackle climate change?

Burning fossil fuels to heat and power our homes or workplace releases carbon dioxide which contributes to climate change. The energy you use at home is likely to be your biggest contribution to climate change so it makes sense environmentally and financially to make savings.

Energy Efficiency at Home          

Top 10 Tips for reducing energy are:

1. Turning down your thermostat by one degree reduces carbon emissions and can cut your fuel bills by up to 10%
2. Draught proof your house to reduce heat loss through draughts - this can save  up to 20%. Close curtains after dusk to keep heat in. Eliminate draughts from doors, windows and letterboxes using brush or PVC seals.
3. Look for energy rating labels when buying household appliances. A++ is the most efficient.
4. Get double glazing - this cuts heat loss through windows by trapping an insulating layer of air between the panes of glass. It also reduces noise and condensation. In a conservation area you may need planning consent.
5. Improve your insulation - such as fitting loft insulation and cavity wall insulation.
6. Use low energy light bulbs - Each one can save up to £68 over the lifetime of the bulb as they last up to 10 times longer than ordinary light bulbs as well as using much less energy.
7. Switch off unused appliances - Do not leave appliances on standby or on charge unnecessarily.
8. Insulate your pipes and tanks to keep your water hotter for longer. A British Standard ‘jacket’ around the hot water cylinder will cut heat loss by over 75%.
9. Wash your clothes at 30°C - It is kinder on your clothes too!
10. Generate your own clean energy on your property. As well as saving on fuel bills, this could generate some extra income. The Centre for Alternative Energy has more information on the options available. Cumbria specific factsheets are available from CLASP. Planning and building control guidance can be found at the planning portal interactive house.

For information on home efficiency grants view the Warm Front leaflet below.

Further advice on saving energy is available from the Energy Saving Trust.   

• Bookmark with (What's this?)
• Del.icio.us
• StumbleUpon
• Digg
• Facebook