Supporting you this winter

Turn your thermostat down

One of the simplest energy saving tips is turning your heating down a single degree. You might not think such a small amount would make a difference – but according to the Energy Saving Trust, going from 20C to 19C (for example) can cut your heating bill by 10%.

Why not try tuning down your room thermostat and radiator values until you find a temperature you’re comfortable with. People over 65, children under five and those with pre-existing health conditions are more vulnerable to cold temperatures. Make sure you are warm enough and have a minimum indoor temperature of 18°C (setting 2 or 3 on your radiator valves) to ensure you’re healthy and comfortable.

Turning off radiators completely in rooms you are not using is less energy efficient as this means your boiler has to work harder to maintain the temperature of a room you are heating than if kept at a low setting. Turning off radiators can also cause issues with damp and mould.

Wash your clothes at a lower temperature

Most of us wash at 40C out of habit, but modern washing powders work well at temperatures as low as 20C. Why not try making 30C your standard wash? The lower the temperature, the more energy you’ll save. Although it’s probably best to wash bedding, towels and underwear at a higher temperature – at least 40C.

Keep your appliances clean

Clean your lint filter of your tumble dryer as often as possible. This will save energy by making sure it runs properly, and reduces the risk of a fire.

Shorter showers

Spending one minute less in the shower could save £8 per person a year, and with a water meter, a further £11. Turning the shower on when you get in means that you’re not wasting any water unnecessarily.