Video: 10 Things To ... Reduce Energy Use

This simple four minute video clip presented by Naomi Cleaver and Kevin McCloud outlines just 10 simple changes we can make to our lifestyles which will see you reduce your CO2 emisssions and save alot of money in the process. Following all the advice and tips in this video could save you in excess of £500 per year. If you want to find out more on any of the tips included in the video just follow the advice and links under the relevant number.

1. The average kettle uses about 3kWh, and is one of the highest consuming devices in the house. A rule of thumb is if you want to boil a cup of tea but there is no marking on the kettle, fill the cup with water and pour into the kettle. Or purchase an Eco kettle.
   
   
2. The Energy Saving Trust advises reducing your thermostat by one degree can reduce your heating bill by up to 10%.
   
   
3. Prepared to be shocked by standby, switch off devices, never leave a device on standby. And unplug chargers when not in use which can have no load usage.
   
   
4. Loft insulation can reduce your household heating bills by 33%, installation costs around £300, but grants are available up to 100% of the cost. Annual savings are £160 - £200, and up to 2000kg of CO2.
   
   
5. Converting to energy saving bulbs can save you 80% on lighting costs and 14% on your electricity bill overall. CFLs should last up to 12 times longer. Bulbs are widely available for as little as 50p. But they are covered by WEEE and should be recycled.
   
   
6. Replacing your boiler to a new condensing boiler could save you a third off your annual gas bill. Grants are available.
   
   
7. Replacing old white goods with new energy recommended ones can reduce your bills considerably. Fridges older than 10 years could be using twice as much electricity, and those over 15 years old up to four times as much. This could be as much as 2kWh per day and 380kg of CO2 per year, it could save you £75 per year in electricity costs too.
   
   
8. Cavity wall insulation can save you a third off your home heating bills. Installation costs as little as £400 and once again grants are available up to 100%. Annual savings are £130 - £160, and up to 1000kg of CO2.
   
   
9. Washing machines use huge amounts of energy, 90% of which is through heating water, by reducing the temperature from 40 to 30, energy consumption will be reduced by 40%.
   
   
10. By walking and cycling short journeys you can reduce your carbon emissions and save money too. Longer journeys can be made in environmentally friendly public transport, where possible avoid air transport. Eco cars could be one way to be green, still have a car and save a lot of money.