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Will the Government’s latest campaign improve energy efficiency in UK homes? Ginetta Vedrickas investigates The Welcome Home to Energy Efficiency campaign unravelled
which should be switched to “eco mode”. Its cost saving predictions for those taking this advice and installing such a device is estimated at £40 per year. WASH CLOTHES AT A LOWER TEMPERATURE Modern washing machines can clean clothes effectively at lower temperatures. Changing from 40°C to 30°C means you could get three cycles instead of two using the same amount of energy, depending on your washing machine.This could save you up to £20 a year.
room you are heating than if kept at a low setting.” The site also warns that turning off radiators can also cause longer term issues with mould and damp, and suggests that people over 65, children under five and those with pre-existing health conditions are more vulnerable to cold temperatures.The advice is to ensure that you are warm enough and have a minimum indoor temperature of 18°C, setting 2 or 3 on your radiator valves, to make sure that you’re healthy and comfortable. Its cost saving predictions for those taking this advice and turning down radiators is estimated at £50 per year. INSTALL AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT SHOWER HEAD The website explains that energy-efficient shower heads reduce the amount of water used by either regulating the flow or aerating the water.These can be bought at any home improvement shop and fixed independently, with some water companies even providing them free.The advice is that they’re not suitable for electric showers,
With winter upon us and many households facing costly energy bills, the Government has introduced its latest effort to persuade us to “green up our homes” and save cash in the process.The Welcome Home to Energy Efficiency campaign aims to encourage families to improve their home’s energy efficiency, with adverts across television, on-demand services, podcasts, print and billboards. Under “help for households”, the Government’s website suggests a range of recommended measures as to what you can do around your home. “Whether in your kitchen, bathroom or living room, there are simple actions you can take to conserve energy that add up to large savings on your energy bills.” TURN DOWN RADIATORS When you’re not using rooms, turning radiator valves down to a lower setting is one way to cut usage says the Government, which warns however, “Turning off radiators completely in rooms you are not using is less energy efficient as this means
USING YOUR TUMBLE DRYER LESS
Tumble dryers are one of the most energy-intensive devices in the home.The Government advises using your tumble dryer less frequently by ensuring you have a full load, around three-quarters of the drum. Or use a clothes airer to dry clothes outside, or inside with a window open for ventilation. You should also avoid overfilling your dryer as this could lengthen the drying time.This could save up to £50 a year.
your boiler has to work harder to maintain the temperature of a
TURN APPLIANCES OFF AT THE SOCKET
Almost all home electrical appliances use power continuously unless
unplugged.Turn off the power switch at the socket or unplug appliances from the socket when they are not in use. This could save
up to £50 a year.
TAKE SHORTER SHOWERS Reducing your shower length to four minutes will save water and money on your energy bill. If your
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