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Follow these tips to not only live sustainably and save energy, but save yourself money as well.

No cost actions to conserve energy

• Adjust hot water cylinders to between 57 and 60 degrees.
• Turn lights off when you leave the room.
• Use a cold-wash cycle and only run the washing-machine with a full load.
• Close curtains as soon as dusk falls in winter to keep heat in.
• Turn down room thermostats.
• Use towel rail for only a few hours per day, turn off in warm weather.
• Keep fridges and freezers well ventilated and in cool surroundings. Regular defrosting improves fridge efficiency too.
• Dry clothes outside instead of in the dryer. UV light will also kill bacteria and bleach your whites!
• Use flat-bottomed pans and lids on pots and simmer rather than boiling. If using a gas cooker, keep flames low, inside the bottom edge of the pot or pan.
• Where possible, use your microwave instead of your oven.

Low cost actions to conserve energy

• Use low energy lighting - compact fluorescent light bulbs will pay for themselves in a short time.
• Replace any fridge or freezer seals that are not effective.
• Stop draughts around doors and windows and block unused fireplaces.
• Lag your hot water tank and any exposed hot water pipes.
• Lined or thermal curtains help to keep heat in.
• Change to a low flow showerhead to save both water and energy.
• Add extra ceiling insulation.
• Install under floor insulation.
• Use shade awnings or trees to keep cooler in summer rather than indoor fans and air conditioners.
• Limit outdoor lighting with timers or sensors.

Energy design considerations when building or renovating your home.

• Plan for water heating by sunshine.
• Double glaze windows or specify special coatings to increase or decrease heat gain.
• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs plus low-voltage spotlight circuits to light your rooms attractively and with energy efficiency. Use movement-detecting switches in garages, toilets and outside if required.
• Insulate walls, floors and ceilings at time of construction.
• Use passive solar design. For example, have a large area of north-facing glazing to catch winter sunlight and eaves to limit summer heat gain. Design the solid structure of the house interior to absorb sunshine by day and release it at night.
• Keep pipe runs short to minimise length of lagged pipe runs.
• Install low-energy appliances.
• Avoid damp. Ventilation, especially in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry keeps the house dry.
• Don't install an open fireplace.
• If you are happy with warm air circulating rather than a radiant heat source, consider a heat pump.

Source of information

The information on this page is sourced from the Sustainable Living programme (opens in a new window).