We know times are tough and saving money is important. So to help a little we are putting together some tips on saving money and energy on a few areas.

We hope you find them useful

If you have a tip on this subject – tell us by finding the link to this item on our Facebook Page and putting it in the Comments Box below.

All - of our tips were found on the Web. Put ‘Energy Saving Tips’ into Google and you will find many more.

Backing – off your heating by even 1 degree could save you up to 10% on your heating bill.
(It’s also surprising how quickly you can become used to it too, but make sure you still keep warm – ed)

Close – the curtains. In the winter they will help keep your heat in. In the summer they can help keep it out.

Defrost - you freezer regularly, it helps to keep it running more efficiently.

Even – on standby, many appliances are still burning electricity (some as much as 85%). If you’ve finished using it, switch it off at the socket.

Fill - it up! Full fridges and freezers run more efficiently than empty ones. If you can’t afford to fill them with food, use bread in the freezer and bottles of water in the fridge. This will also save you running the tap for a cool glass of water (saving water and money)
(We freeze bread in bags of a few slices – handy for filling gaps in the freezer, and when you run out unexpectedly, many toasters have a frozen bread setting - ed)

Grills – use a lot more energy than toasters.  
(You also have to stand and watch them if you don’t want your toast too well done, whereas you can make the tea while your toast is cooking in a toaster - ed)

Heating - up a small pan on large hob just wastes energy – use the right one for the job, and use the lids to keep the heat in.

Invest – in some energy saving light bulbs.
On average 10-15% of household electricity bills are made up from lighting. Swapping to energy saving bulbs could save you a packet! Just make sure you get ones powerful enough for the rooms you need. (And they last a lot longer too – ed)

Java - Jive? If you love fresh coffee, get a filter machine with a hotplate. Many outlets sell basic ones quite cheaply. (I recently saw one, in a well known electrical store, for less then £10! - ed) They only heat the water enough to make the coffee (not boiling) and will keep a pot of coffee warm using very little energy

Keep - it closed. For every minute you keep your fridge or freezer open, it will take 3 minutes to get back to temperature.

Look – for the best rated appliances you can afford, they will save you more money in the long run than a cheaper, lower rated one.
(for more info on this, see our article on Energy Efficient Appliances here on Web4 - ed)

Mind – the gap! Keep your windows and doors closed. If you have a draught coming in from under a door, roll up a blanket and use it as a draught excluder or use fit draught excluding strips.
(Or, if your tastes can stand it, you might find one based on a cuddly toy at the boot fair or local charity shop, or you could make your own– ed)

Never - leave your loft access door open, or you will just be letting all your heat escape from your house.
(However, in the summer, it can be a useful way to cool the house down, just don’t forget to close it before the colder weather arrives - ed)

Open – Air! Tumble dryers can use the most energy in your home after your fridge/freezer. Try drying your clothes outside, or pick up an airier to fit over your bath. It could save you a small fortune!

Prepare - your vegetables by cutting them into smaller pieces, they will cook faster.
(or if you like your veggies with a bit of a bite to them, using a loosely covered container with a drop of water, and cooking them in the microwave for a few minutes keeps much of the goodness in, much like steaming them - ed)

Quicker – Learn to use your microwave properly (and not just for re-heating your coffee – ed) many foods cook MUCH faster in the microwave and therefore use a lot less energy. Many new microwaves also have other features such as combi ovens and grills, learn to use them and you will save both time and money.
(Many people say baking using a combi-microwave is faster and better than in a conventional oven -ed)

Reflect – If you are in an older property and have less efficient radiators. Fit some heat reflectors and get the most out of them.
(Not just old radiators – we fitted one to the radiator in our living room and it is much more effective – ed)

Servicing – Having your heating system regularly serviced keeps it in tip top shape and running efficiently.
(Swan perform Gas Safety Checks on all their properties EVERY year, make sure you get yours done when they do.)

Tea - for two? If you love a cuppa (or three), why not go retro and grab a teapot and a tea cosy? A pot of tea kept warm under a cosy (or even a tea towel – ed) will stay warm for some time, supplying you with a lovely cuppa without the need to re-boil the kettle.
Tea connoisseurs still say a properly brewed cup of tea in a pot is much better than one just made in a cup.
(We found one of those new glass ones that also has a built in strainer for £1 at a boot sale – can’t get much cheaper than that! - ed)

Underlay – If you’re replacing your carpets, don’t forget to include a good underlay. It will help keep a lot more heat in your rooms.
(And give your carpets that lovely plush springy feeling underfoot - ed)

Value – for money is important. Are you paying over the odds for your energy? Look around, and see if you can do better, or talk to your existing supplier and see if there is a better deal for you.
(There is even one not-for-profit Energy Company out there that offers the same rates for it pre-pay customers as it does for standard rate – look them up, you can even find them on Facebook and see what their customers say about them – This is worth doing no matter which supplier you use - ed)

Wrap - up warm. Feeling a little chilly? Rather than turning the heating up, why not put an extra item of clothing?
(Time to dig out those retro Starsky & Hutch cardies? – ed)

eXamine your bills, and make sure you either get a regular true meter reading or supply one yourself. Estimated bills could be either under or over.
(We are friendly enough with a couple of our neighbours to compare our bills and usage, and we swap tips between us to help each other save money - ed)

You – can save more money by washing your clothes on a cooler wash. Some of the new detergents (washing powders and liquids) will still perform well at 30 or even lower temps! (brrrriliant – ed)

Zzzz’s – Why not invest in a nice thick duvet, rather than keeping your heating high all night long?
(We have one for summer (about 7tog) and one for winter (about 25 tog) If it’s really cold, we have been known to double them up (33 tog = very cosy – ed)

OK, we admit it, cheated on a couple. If you can write us an a-z of tips – on any subject. Send it in, we might publish it here or in our next Newsletter

See also:

• A-Z of Tips on - Water
  
• Credit Crunching 2 - Are your energy bills accurate?
  
• Credit Crunching 3 - Energy Saving Tips
  
• Credit Crunching 4 - Driving & Transport