Use the tips on these pages to guide electricity saving in the utility room to save money and reduce CO2 emissions. For more information on these tips check out the electricity saving section.
| Central Heating |
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Turn it off completely in the summer |
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The timer and control electronics use a small amount of power even when the heating is not running. |
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Turn it off (or down) when you are not at home |
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If you are out set the timer to turn it on about half an hour before you return and off about half an hour before you leave home. In very cold weather turn the thermostat down when you go out to stop the house freezing. |
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Fit a frost thermostat |
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To enable the heating to be safely left of even in very cold weather fit a frost stat in the loft to override the heating and turn it on when the temperature approaches freezing.
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| Fridge And Freezer |
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Keep the fridge and freezer full and cooling surfaces clean and free from dust |
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Use sealed containers to fill any unused space, leaving small air gaps for air to circulate. Dirty heat exchangers (radiators) on the back need a regular clear to keep the efficiency high. Defrost the fridges and freezers regularly and don't put hot food in the fridge. Keep the door seals clean to ensure a good seal and minimise loss. |
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Don't set fridge and freezer temperatures too low |
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Use 6 degrees Centigrade for fridges and -18 degrees Centigrade for freezers. |
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Don't put hot food in the fridge or freezer, defrost food in the fridge |
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Defrosting food in the fridge reduces electricity use due to the cooling effect of the frozen food and the slightly extra time it takes is well worth it. |
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Be careful where fridges and freezers are located |
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Keep the fridge and freezer away from direct sunlight and heat sources such as radiators. Ensure there is good ventilation around the back to maximise heat transfer from the radiator.
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| Lighting |
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Switch off lights when the room Is empty |
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A hundred watt light bulb switched on for one hour every day costs over £1 a quarter to run. A low energy bulb switched on for one hour a day costs around 20p a quarter to run. |
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Make sure curtains and blinds are fully drawn back/open |
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To maximise natural light |
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If the utility room is brightly lit try lower power bulbs |
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Often the lighting in rooms is brighter than needed |
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Replace all bulbs possible with low energy ones |
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There are now plenty of types available in low energy format. |
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Use light colours when redecorating rooms |
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Light coloured rooms require less power to light them. This works especially well in north facing rooms or rooms with small windows. |
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Replace light fittings where there are no suitable energy efficient bulbs available |
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Obvious targets for this are multiple spot lamp fittings.
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| Washing Machine |
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Turn the temperature down to 30C |
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Modern detergents work fine at this temperature and the saving
in energy is worth it. |
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Turn off at the wall when not in use |
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A lot of washing machines use a small amount of power even when switched off. |
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Load the machine to capacity |
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Use an economy cycle for part loads. Use the minimum length wash cycle which will get items clean and minimise electricity use. |
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Invest in a new machine |
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If yours is very old, choosing the most efficient one possible.
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| Tumble Dryer |
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Don't use it If the weather Is suitable
for hanging clothes out |
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Tumble driers use a lot of electricity. |
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Load the machine to capacity |
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Use an economy cycle for part loads. Use the minimum length wash cycle which will get items clean and minimise electricity use.
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| Water Heating |
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If you heat water using electricity try turning the temperature down 5 degrees |
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You probably won't even notice the difference. If you don't try turning it down even further. |
