Energy efficiency

We are really keen to work with households to make sure homes are as energy efficient as they possibly can be.

If you live in an Ongo home then you can already be reassured that we've already done a lot of work to make your home as efficient as possible, with the latest heating systems, good quality roofing and wall insulation and modern windows and doors.

But there are always extra things that we can all do to save money, and the environment too.

1. Turn your thermostat down
   Reducing your room temperature by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10% and typically saves around £50 per year
2. Check your boiler
   Your cylinder thermostat should be set at 60°C/140°F
3. Close your curtains
   This helps to keep heat in the room
4. Turn off lights
   When you leave a room, flick that switch or turn down that dimmer
5. Don't leave appliances on standby
   As well as TVs, remember to consider laptops and mobile phones which may be on charge unnecessarily
6. Try not to part-load machines
   Consider that a full load of a washing machine, dishwasher or tumble drier uses less energy than two half loads
7. Only boil as much water as you need to
   But make sure the elements of the kettle are covered with water
8. Fix leaking taps
   A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and in one week can waste enough hot water to fill half a bath
9. Use energy saving light bulbs
   They last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs, and using one can save you at least £45 over the lifetime of the bulb
10. Do a home energy check
    Walk around your home and work out where you can make the best savings
11. Wrap up warm
    Consider an extra layer of clothing rather than turning up the thermostat
12. If it gets hot, turn down the thermostat
    Don't open the windows, as you are paying for heat to escape through the window
13. Use your timer
    so your heating goes off just before you go to bed and comes on again just before you get up

(This advice is taken from a booklet produced by The Apollo Group and is reproduced with thanks to them.)

To find out more about warm homes discount, click here.