Ban your standby button

About 8 to 10 per cent of the total electricity used in the average home is wasted when appliances are left on standby. Some appliances even use 25 per cent of their normal power in standby mode. (Source:biggreenswitch.co.uk)

Turn off unnecessary lights

With energy prices soaring, start driving down your bills by remembering to turn off unnecessary lights at home.

Tips on how to save energy

This is the fourth in a series of articles where British Gas helps you learn about new green' technology.

Tips on saving energy with British Gas

This is the third in a series of articles where British Gas helps you learn about new green' technology.

Don't leave your PC on 24 hours a day

Turn off your PC when away from your desk - (this may be difficult at work). A PC left running 24 hours a day would use £59 worth of electricity over a 12 month period and result in emissions of 716Kg of carbon dioxide a year. (source: www.admin.ox.ac.uk)

Look at your insulation

2:21pm Tuesday 24th July 2007

Loft insulation should be 270mm (10.5 inches) deep. If you put it in 10 years ago, it will have compacted and will need topping up or replacing. (source: Energy Saving Trust) (Submitted by the South West London Energy Efficiency Advice Centre - freephone number 0800 512012)

Keep your boiler cosy

A hot water tank jacket costs £15-20 and can save £30 in a year. If you have an old one, fit an extra one - and insulate the first metre of pipe coming out of the top as well. Foam that fits around the pipe can be put on in seconds. (sources: Energy Saving Trust; NEA) (Submitted by the South West London Energy Efficiency Advice Centre - freephone number 0800 512012)

Switch off your phone charger

When your mobile phone is charged, switch off or unplug the charger and save 10kg of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) and £1.90 a year. (Submitted by the South West London Energy Efficiency Advice Centre - freephone number 0800 512012)

Don’t overfill your fridge or freezer

Don't overfill your fridge or freezer. 3/4 full allows the air to circulate without extra burden on the motor as does keeping it in a cool place (not next to the oven or in full sun). (source: Energy Saving Trust) (Submitted by the South West London Energy Efficiency Advice Centre - freephone number 0800 512012)

Turn down your water temperature

Get out of hot water - turn down your hot water tank thermostat to 60C (140F). (sources: Energy Saving Trust; NEA.) (Submitted by the South West London Energy Efficiency Advice Centre - freephone number 0800 512012)

Contact your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre

Get to know your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre. Call FREEPHONE 0800 512 012 and speak to a trained energy advisors. Their advice is free and impartial. Alternatively email swlo@eeac.net (Submitted by the South West London Energy Efficiency Advice Centre - freephone number 0800 512012)

Keep your freezer full

Use less energy and keep your freezer full. It takes less energy to cool a full freezer.

Replace your old heating system

If your boiler is over ten years old, it is worth replacing it; technical improvements mean that new boilers and control systems are significantly more efficient that they were even five years ago, now achieving energy ratings of more than 90%. The most efficient type of gas fired boiler is the condensing boiler which recycles otherwise wasted energy from the combustion gases. The Energy Efficiency Advice Centre runs a database on suitable products. Use individual thermostatic controls on radiators in every room. If the room isn't in use, keep the control turned to low to avoid heating rooms unnecessarily. Ring 0800 512012 for further details.

Buy Low Energy Appliances

Maximise the efficiency of your appliances - not only will this benefit the environment, it can also save you considerable money on your bills. Make sure white goods like fridges, freezers and washing machines, are A rated (or A++ for fridges and freezers). This means that they are very efficient and, in the case of washing machines, use less water than other models. Remember to turn off computers, TVs and video/DVD players rather than leaving them on stand-by when not in use, as this will substantially cut energy use.

Work Your Windows

Around 20% of the heat lost from an average home is through the windows. Consider double glazing your windows or secondary double-glazing if you live in a period property. Double-glazing cuts heat loss through windows by 50% and could significantly reduce your heating bill.

Increase Insulation Levels

Insulating your home is a great way to reduce energy costs. There is a range of grants available to help with insulation costs. The UK Government funds schemes providing up to £2,500 to households on certain benefits to improve their heating and energy efficiency. Some local authorities also offer grants and more information can be found by ringing 0800 512 012. Grants are available for solar panels and other microgeneration technologies via the Low Carbon Buildings Programme.

Get a steamer

Pressure cookers and steamers both save energy as they enable you to cook several different foods on one ring. Steamers are particularly easy to use.

Use natural sunlight whever possible

Now that the clocks have gone forward, it's time to make use of that extra light in the evenings. Save energy and keep your bills down by using natural light. Pale coloured walls, mirrors, and clutter free windows will help maximize this natural resource.

Get an eco-friendly fridge

Choose a fridge with a high energy-efficiency rating - and position it away from heat sources such as cookers, ovens, dishwashers or radiators.

Get a more efficient cooker

Choose your cooker wisely. Large, new ranges use a lot of power and are usually poorly insulated.

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