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.
- 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 - Check your boiler
Your cylinder thermostat should be set at 60°C/140°F - Close your curtains
This helps to keep heat in the room - Turn off lights
When you leave a room, flick that switch or turn down that dimmer - Don't leave appliances on standby
As well as TVs, remember to consider laptops and mobile phones which may be on charge unnecessarily - 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 - Only boil as much water as you need to
But make sure the elements of the kettle are covered with water - Fix leaking taps
A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and in one week can waste enough hot water to fill half a bath - 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 - Do a home energy check
Walk around your home and work out where you can make the best savings - Wrap up warm
Consider an extra layer of clothing rather than turning up the thermostat - If it gets hot, turn down the thermostat
Don't open the windows, as you are paying for heat to escape through the window - 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.