Saving Electricity

Electricity has doubled in price over the last two years and is likely to do the same again in the next two years. Electricity is more expensive than gas and also is more detrimental to the environment.

In order to create electricity we need power stations; these are either fuelled by coal, gas, oil or nuclear power. The process of creating electricity releases a large amount of heat which is not captured or re-used for other purposes.

Renewable energy produces electricity in a clean and environmentally friendly way through wind, wave or solar power and the UK is gradually developing the industry to supply our electricity demands through these methods.

However, at the individual level, the electricity supplied to our homes powers products and appliances which add to the carbon in the atmosphere. The amount of electricity we use in our homes can vary quite considerably and with the current rise in prices home owners need to look at ways to cut down on their usage.

According to the Centre for Alternative Technology the following breakdown shows how we use our electricity:

• Lighting 19%
• Cold Appliances 18%
• Wet Appliances 15%
• Cooking 15%
• Consumer Electronics 19%
• Computers and Games Consoles 9%
• Other 5%

Our electricity usage alone will generate 2 tonnes of C02 per household and this is growing. There are many ways in which this figure can be reduced, along with your monthly electricity bills.

Lighting:

• Only use low energy light bulbs or LED's
• Switch off all lights when rooms are not in use
• Use reading lamps or smaller direct lights when higher powered light fittings are not needed

Click on the link to view our YouTube video comparing low energy lightbulbs with traditional tungsten bulbs: Act on Energy Lightbulb Video

Cold Appliances

• Place fridges and freezers away from cookers or any heating
• Allow good circulation at the rear of the unit
• Dust the back grill regularly
• Defrost the freezer regularly
• Reduce the cool setting in the fridge so it is not so cold
• When purchasing a new item ensure it has an energy efficiency rating of A, A+ or A++
• Do not buy a fridge or freezer bigger than you need empty space costs more to keep cool

Wet Appliances

• Always wash full loads
• Wash at 30 degrees
• Avoid using a tumble dryer
• Look out for A, A+ or A++ rating when purchasing a washing machine
• Hang washing out to dry as often as possible

Cooking

• Opt for a gas cooker and hob where possible, they emit half the amount of CO2 than the electric equivalent.
• Only heat the amount of water you need in the kettle or saucepan
• Use lids on your sauce pans to keep in the heat
• Steam vegetables where possible
• Maximise the use of your oven; do not leave the heat on for long periods of time without any food being cooked.
• Microwaves are energy efficient where frozen foods are not used

Consumer Electronics and Computers

• Ensure nothing is left on stand-by
• Remove plugs from wall sockets as some products still use power even when switched off
• Always switch off monitors and TV's when not in use

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