For part two please visit here

A good first step in saving energy is to become aware of how you use energy in the home. What heating do you have and how do you use it? How do you get hot water and how do you work that? Which appliances do you have and how much do you use them?   

In terms of saving energy, it is important to remember that many small changes add up. Once you make some changes, they become reinforced by habit and further changes become easier.

In so doing, you can make significant savings in money and do your bit to fight climate change.

Here is a video showing five energy saving tips which could save you a lot on bills over the year. 

Let’s look at some general energy saving tips as well as those for heating, hot water and washing and drying clothes.   

TIPS IN GENERAL

• energy saving light bulbs save on average around £3 a year each
• if you are buying an appliance, try to choose one which is energy efficient
• if you rent your home from a council or housing association, please speak with your landlord if you wish advice and information on heating or insulation
• if you are an owner or private tenant, please phone Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 or visit their website       

HEATING TIPS

• if you have a room thermostat, lowering it by one degree will save up to £75 per year 
• turn down the thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) in rooms you are not using  
• set the heating and hot water temperature controls on your gas boiler to below the maximum settings to save money  
• where possible, put your central heating on a timer
• set your heating to come on a bit before you wake up but time it so that it switches off again before you leave the house
• avoid using plug-in electric heaters as they use lots of electricity to heat a small space

Hot water tips

• power showers use as much water as taking a bath – consider fitting an aerated or low-flow showerhead to cut down water use.
• don’t leave the taps running continuously when you are washing your face or shaving.
• if your house is all electric, ensure that your hot water timer is programmed for off-peak times. If your heating system has a separate hot water tank, try to set the programmer to match the times of the day it’s needed most. Most timers/programmers have a boost function which only heats up a small amount of the tank; use this where necessary.

LAUNDRY Tips

• make sure the machine is switched off when not in use and has no red lights left on.
• wait until you have a full load before putting on a wash – two half-loads use more energy.
• washing clothes at 30 degrees will save you around 40% of the energy used each year. Modern washing powders and detergents work just as effectively at lower temperatures so unless you have very dirty washing, bear this in mind!

• avoid using your tumble dryer as it costs 60p per hour. Dry clothes outside in sunny weather. When you are using your tumble dryer, spin your clothes on the highest spin cycle before putting them in your dryer for a short period; complete the drying process by using clothes horses.

For more detailed advice on your washing machine, please visit here

Home Energy Scotland has some excellent tips on saving energy in the home here

Contact Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 (free from all mobiles and landlines) or subscribe to their monthly Energywire newsletter here here