Energy: Use Less - Save More
by Jon Clift & Amanda Cuthbert

 
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Did you know...

• Just lowering the temperature of your thermostat by 10C can reduce your energy bill by 10%.

• Energy-efficient light bulbs last about 12 times longer than ordinary bulbs, and consume about 1/5 of the energy.

• If we didn’t leave our TVs and other gadgets on stand-by, two power stations could be shut down.

• The cost of electricity has almost doubled since 2002.

• Our homes produce even more CO2 emissions than our cars.

We’re all using more and more energy: charging up our mobiles and laptops, keeping our rooms so hot that we walk around in short sleeves in the winter, or leaving lights on all day and night whether we are using the rooms or not. But the consequences of using so much so freely is causing our climate to change, and our energy bills to rise.

If each one of us acts on just a few of these suggestions, we can save money – and help slow down climate change.


Ten Top Energy Saving Tips from the book:

• Take control of your heating. Consider turning down the thermostat controlling the temperature of your room or house by 10C. You will have either a single control at a central position such as in the hall, or thermostats attached to the individual heaters or radiators.

• Fitted carpets with underlay will give you much more insulation than bare boards, and will stop draughts.

• You can use less energy by taking a quick shower rather than a bath. If you use a power shower, remember that in five minutes it can use as much energy as a bath.

• Beware of ‘uplighters’: many consume a lot of electricity, using high-wattage bulbs of 300w or greater – that’s the equivalent of over 30 low-energy light bulbs! Use energy-efficient spotlights instead.

• Don’t over-fill an electric kettle: just put in the amount of water you want, but make sure you cover the element. You’ll use less energy, it will cost less, and will come to the boil more quickly.

• If your freezer isn’t full, fill empty spaces with scrunched-up paper or bubble wrap to stop warm air circulating when it is opened.

• Use a lower temperature wash for clothes which aren’t very dirty: for most washes, 40C is just as good as 60C.

• Air-dry your clothes on clothes racks or lines if possible – tumble dryers are very energy-hungry appliances.

• Switch your dishwasher off completely when it has finished; it is still consuming electricity on stand-by.

• If you are replacing your computer, consider a laptop – they are more energy efficient.

The Authors: Jon Clift works as a freelance environmental consultant and lives in Salcombe, South Devon. Amanda Cuthbert has worked in theatre and in television, and is the author of two previous books.

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