Quick Fixes for Reducing Energy Consumption
Suggestions by ECOE Volunteer Community Energy Champions.
Free Ideas
Take advantage of solar gain – Open curtains when the sun is shining in!
Make best use of Solar PV (use appliances daytime)
Get a smart meter
Turn lights off
Reduce the Number of bulbs – downlighters, chandeliers and wall lights
Turn off gadgets – Don’t leave on standby/turn off
Don’t leave phones charging all night
Close doors/windows (!!but think ventilation!!)
Close extractors/trickle vents when not needed
Draw curtains
Check the room temperature before turning the heating on
Heating Controls – use properly/efficiently
Especially NSH controls; timers
Turn the thermostat down/ use TRVs on radiators (but don’t let house get too cold)
Bleed radiators
Immersion Heater Times – try reducing to 30 minutes per day
Keep furniture away from heat sources
Clean behind radiators/fridges/freezers
Put on warmer clothing/extra layers/hats/socks/slipper
Use blankets/slankets/throws etc.
Use a hot water bottle
Don’t overfill the kettle – Only boil what you need
Use a flask
Defrost the freezer regularly
Keep freezer loaded, use tubs of water to fill gaps
Monitor fridge temperatures (care to avoid food poisoning)
Keep lids on saucepans/ use the right size ring
Leave oven door open after turning off to benefit from heat.
Use a slow cooker/microwave/steamer/multi level/one pot cooking
Bulk cooking/Freezing/ efficient menu planning
Switch off hob/oven early to allow residual heat to finish cooking
Wash up in a bowl (instead of running tap or instead of sink)
Save the water running before use (cold and hot)
Jug of cold water in the fridge for drinking
Reduce shower times (4 mins)
Replace a bath with shower
Share bath/shower
Use bath water to flush loo
Hippo/brick in cistern
Close Bathroom door to prevent condensation
Ditch the hot tub
Full loads only – Washing machine and dishwasher
Wash at 30 degrees – Check Eco programmes on machines
Dry clothes outside if possible, or on airers
If drying clothes inside open window to prevent condensation
Consider heated laundry rack
Reduce hoovering/ironing
Drink warm drinks often
Stay active, move around
Setting on phones to use wifi only (money saving)
Switch to a cheaper tariff
Low-Cost Ideas
Adding extra heating controls, esp timers to immersions, install TRVs
Regular Boiler maintenance
Add thicker/lined curtains – Add Door Curtains if needed
Add carpet or rugs and underlay
Draught excluders – door/windows/under doors/chimneys/loft hatch/gaps around pipes/floorboards/skirting boards/letterbox/keyhole/cat flaps
Secondary glazing – permanent or film packs
Insulated wall paper
Check Insulation – loft, wall, floor – and apply for grants as needed
Hot water tank jackets, lag pipes
Fit Standby plugs
Add radiator panels/shelves
Use tumble dryer balls
Water minimisers – Taps and showerheads
Fit LED lightbulbs
Hot water bottles, electric blankets, over blankets
Use dehumidifier
Add trickle vents to improve moisture control
Water butts to save water
Water softener (hard water areas) for boiler and washing machine
Buy efficient wood for stoves
