Repairs advice guides

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2. Energy and water saving

You can also make energy savings by doing the following:

Consider changing to quarterly meters and paying by direct debit. The most expensive way of paying for your energy is using prepayment meters.
Compare energy suppliers, as switching can often save you money - also dual fuel tariffs are normally much cheaper.

If you have a heating programmer, set it so that your heating only comes on when needed. If you are out of the house all day then your heating doesn't need to be switched on. However during periods of very cold weather it can be cheaper to keep the heating on to keep the fabric of the building warm.
Your heating system has been designed to cope with the coldest likely outside temperature. However if you have a new condensing boiler, in autumn and spring when the outside temperature isn't so cold you can reduce the boiler heating temperature which will enable the boiler to work more efficiently. You will need to raise the boiler temperature again as the outside temperature gets colder. (The "hot water/tap water" needs to stay at 60°C)
If you notice that any of your radiators are cold at the top - point this out to the council heating contractor when you have your annual gas check or vent radiators and re-pressurize the central heating system as required.
If you still have a hot water cylinder make sure the thermostat is set to 60°C/140°
Turn your room thermostat down. Reducing your room temperature by 1 degree could save you 10% in your heating bills
Lowering the setting on the thermostatic radiator valves (TRV) will have the same effect. If you have rooms that are not used very often keep TRV setting down to 1 or 2 and keep internal doors closed.
Close curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows. Line your curtains & make sure they don't cover the radiators

Don't fill up the kettle - only boil the amount of water that your really need
Cook with lids on pans and use the correct size ring and try to keep the gas flame low and underneath the pan

Where possible let clothes dry naturally either outside or over the bath with the window open and door shut.
Use full loads in washing machines & dishwashers
Use low temperature/eco setting for washing machines & dishwashers

Site your fridge away from your cooker and other hot places
Try to keep your freezer at least 3/4 full
Defrost your freezer regularly
Don't overfill your fridge air needs to be able to circulate
Check seals on fridges and freezers
Keep the back of your fridge/freezer clear of dust to improve efficiency
Don't leave the fridge door open longer than necessary.
When buying new electrical appliances, such as washing machines or fridge freezers, look for the distinctive blue and white Energy Saving Recommended logo
Also look out for the EU energy label which rates products from A, (the most efficient) to G (the least efficient).

More energy saving advice can be found on the following website Energy Saving Trust.

Do not leave taps dripping.
Make sure overflow pipes are not running. If they need repairing contact the Repairs Team (265031)
Remember to turn off the tap when brushing teeth - a running tap wastes over 6 litres per minute.
Consider purchasing a water butt - South West Water have various sizes for further information see: South West Water - water butts
If you have your own dedicated water supply to your property, having a water meter fitted can significantly reduce your bills. Contact South West Water for further information: South West Water - water meters

More energy saving advice can be found on the Energy Saving Trust website.