Simple
Tips To Save Electricity
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A lot of these electricity saving tips cost nothing to implement. and may seem obvious but from experience most people ignore
them and waste money unnecessarily. Some only require getting into
the habit of thinking is there a good reason why this is switched
on.
For more ideas on electricity check out saving electricity room by room.
For more information on these tips take a look at the electricity saving section.
Switch Off Lights When A Room Is Empty
A hundred watt light bulb switched on for one hour
every day costs around £1 a quarter to run.
Maximise Natural Light
Make sure curtains and blinds are fully open.
Switch Of Unnecessary Items
How often have you left the room for a couple of
hours leaving the television, computer, etc on?
How often have you gone out shopping on a Saturday leaving things
switched on?
A television left on for two hours a day can cost between £1
and £6 a quarter to run depending on the age and size. A
computer left on for two hours a day can cost around £2 a
quarter to run.
Don't Leave Items On Standby
Do you switch things off at the wall or just leave
them on standby - most appliances don't need to be left on standby.
The difference can be huge. A computer left on standby can cost between £1 & £3
a quarter. Ten items left on standby each taking 2 watts cost around
£4 a quarter.
Switch off cookers and microwaves wherever possible (resetting
the clock is a small price to pay).
When Buying Replacement Appliances Compare The Power Consumption
If you need to replace something take the power
consumption into account when comparing different makes. Be wary
of the energy efficiency labels - they don't take into account
standby current and relative size (when comparing two items).
Turn The Water Temperature Down 5 Degrees
If you heat your water using electricity try turning
the temperature down 5 degrees you probably won't even notice the
difference. If you don't try turning it down even further.
Turn The Washing Machine Down To 30C
Modern detergents work fine at this temperature and the saving
in energy is worth it.
Don't Use The Tumble Drier If The Weather Is Suitable
For Hanging Clothes Out
Tumble driers use a lot of electricity.
When You Go Away For More Than A Day Switch Off Everything
You Can
Apart from things related to security switch off everything you
can such as immersion heaters, central heating (if the weather
is not too cold), Cookers, Microwaves, etc - you may be surprised
by the savings.
Don't Leave Mobile Phone Chargers Switched On When Not
In Use
If possible run the charger(s) overnight to take advantage of cheap rate electricity BUT remember to use a timeswitch as they only take 2 to 3 hours to charge.
Turn Air Conditioner Thermostats Up A Few Degrees And
Keep Cooling Surfaces Clean And Free From Dust
Doing this can save a lot of energy. It also helps if you clean
the filters regularly. Dirty heat exchangers (radiators) need a
regular clean to keep the efficiency high. Make sure the air flow
through the unit is not restricted.
Keep The Fridge And Freezer Full And Cooling Surfaces
Clean And Free From Dust
Use sealed containers to fill any unused space. Dirty heat exchangers
(radiators) on the back need a regular clear to keep the efficiency
high. Defrost the freezer regularly and don't put hot food in the
fridge. Keep the fridge and freezer away from cookers and radiators.
If You Have More Than One Wireless Telephone Replace One
WIth A Conventional Telephone
The chargers for these phones can cost up to £1 a quarter each
to run continuously.
Only Use Just Enough Water To Cover Vegetables When Cooking
The more water you use the more energy is required to heat it up. Use a pressure cooker or steamer where sensible.
Only Boil As Much Water As You Need In The Kettle
Filling the kettle full each time you boil it can waste around £3 a quarter. If you live in a hard water area keep the kettle descaled to keep the efficiency high.
Switch Off Extractor Fans As Soon As They Have Done Their Job
It's easy to forget to turn them off. Keep the vent flaps clean and check they open and close easily to minimise back pressure.
Open The Oven Door As Little As Possible when Cooking
To minimise heat loss, also cook as much as possible at the same time. Keep the oven door seals clean to minimise heat loss.
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