The latest ‘big thing’ is being green and helping to save the planet. But did you know that you could help save the planet AND save money?

The average person should be able to cut their energy consumption by 20% fairly easily. This can add up to savings of up to £200 per year! Obviously, the first thing to do is to check that you are with the cheapest energy suppliers.

About 61% of energy consumed at home is used for heating; 23% is used for hot water and 16% is used for lighting, electrical appliances and cooking. The first thing to look at is the largest propotion – heating, and how you can prevent heat loss. The biggest financial gains will come from investing in loft and cavity-wall insulation, double glazing and draft-excluders. There are government grants available to help pay for these improvements. These improvements will also usually increase the value of your property.

- Turning down your thermostat by one degree can reduce your heating bill by 10%. You should not notice a significant difference in the temperature, however if you do, just put a jumper on.
- Do not use stand-by as this wastes a lot of energy. Always switch your appliances off! This can save you up to £50 a year.
- Turn off lights in empty rooms and switch to energy-efficient lightbulbs.
- If you are making a hot beverage, only boil the amount of water you need, and not the whole kettle.
- When you are replacing white goods such as washing machines and dishwashers, look at how energy efficient they are – the more energy efficient the better. Even if they are a few pounds more expensive, they will save you more money in the long run by using less energy.
- Wash your clothes at 40 degrees not 60.
- If you have radiators against external walls, put silver foil behind them to ensure the heat from them is radiated into the room itself.

Don’t forget that these principles apply at work as well as at home! Always switch your computer and computer monitor off at night and if you are the last person to leave, switch the lights off!

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