Making your home more energy efficient has two main benefits, the first is that it has positive effects on your bank account by helping you to reduce your energy costs. The second benefit is that its a great way to look at making positive steps to reduce your carbon footprint.
Lights
Switch to LED light bulbs, they have a much longer life span than halogen or incandescent bulbs and also much cheaper running costs.
Try to remember to turn off lights when they are not being used.
If you are in the process of installing lighting into your property, consider sensor lights, which automatically turn on when you are around and off once you leave.
You can also consider a timer switch to set lamps to come on and off, they plug straight into the wall, are easy to set up and allow you to programme several slots.
Appliances
If purchasing a new appliance you can compare energy ratings on different appliances to ensure that the one you choose is the most efficient.
Switching appliances off at the plug saves energy. Apparently appliances left running in the home costs on average an extra £35 a year.
Keep your appliances clean, dust and dirt building up on appliances can cause the appliance to have to work harder. For example not cleaning the filters in a tumble dryer can stop it from running efficiently
Draught proofing
Insulate your home with strip insulation around your doors and windows. Removing even a small draught can improve the temperature of your home.
A draught excluder at the foot of any doors that lead to outside, will instantly make your home warmer.
Even when improving efficiency in your home, keeping your home warm throughout winter can become a struggle, if you are on a low income or you get the guarantee credit element of pension credit, then you may be eligible for the Government Warm Home Discount Scheme.