Figures from Ofgem, the UK power regulator, state that the average household in the UK spends over £600 a year just on the power needed to use the electrical gadgets in the property. This figure is hardly surprising given the number of electric and electronic items in the average home – dishwashers, fridges, washing machines, PCs, freezers, food processors, chargers, TVs… the list goes on, and if you are replacing your appliances in the home it is worth checking the energy efficiency ratings and buying gadgets that are energy efficient. If you are not yet replacing your gadgets, consider other ways in which you can make a difference to your energy consumption and also your fuel bills. Here are 12 top tips to reduce your energy use.

How to Reduce Energy Use in the Home

1. Changing light bulbs can make a big difference. LED light bulbs use less energy and they are also much more durable and last longer than regular bulbs. If you can, replace all the light bulbs at once. If you are on a budget you can replace each bulb as it fails with a new, energy efficient bulb.
2. Use your microwave for cooking when you can, as it is an economical way to heat and reheat food. However, you should unplug your microwave when it is not in use in order to save power.
3. Make sure your fridge and freezer are highly rated in terms of energy efficiency. You also use less energy when you defrost food overnight in the fridge rather than using the microwave.
4. Use an electric kettle rather than boiling water on the hob. But make sure you only boil as much water as you need – it is a waste of energy to fill the kettle to the top just for one cup of coffee.
5. Wash your clothes at 30⁰C to save energy. You still get your clothes clean and you can save money on your fuel bills.
6. Wash your dishes in a bowl in the sink filled with water rather than under the running hot water tap.
7. Check your boiler to make sure it is energy efficient. If you have an old boiler, consider replacing it with a newer model for greater efficiency and also safety.
8. Install loft insulation if it is not already there. Loft insulation prevents a great deal of heat escaping from the roof and reduces your heating bills.
9. Fit cavity wall or solid wall insulation.
10. Fix draughts around the windows and doors in the home.
11. Install double glazing if you have the money to spare. Thick, long curtains also help prevent heat from escaping and make the rooms in the home cosier.
12. Get an Energy Performance Certificate from a supplier like epcuk.org. You need an EPC if you are going to sell your property or if you are renting it, but getting an Energy Performance Certificate rating can also help you identify where you can make changes to save energy and make your home more efficient. The EPC gives you a rating from A to G, where A is the most efficient and G is the least efficient.