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Reducing the amount of energy you use reduces emissions of carbon dioxide, one of the main contributors to climate change.

There are a number of cheap and easy ways to help you reduce your energy consumption and save you money!

This information was supplied to Homes for Islington by Islington Energy

THINGS YOU CAN DO TODAY

Switch appliances off standby
Always turn lights off when you leave a room
Adjust your curtains or blinds to let in as much light as possible
Turn your thermostat down by 1°C to cut your heating bills by up to 10% (saving around £30 per year)

Spend a little now to save a lot in the future

Fit low energy light bulbs. They cost more to buy but can last up to 12 years and save around £10 per year per bulb. (If you are in receipt of a benefit you can receive a FREE low energy light bulb from the Green Living Centre)
Eliminate draughts by using an easy-to-fix brush or seal on external doors, they cost around £5
Insulate your hot water tank with a jacket, they cost around £10 but it will pay for itself within six months

Kitchens - Top Tips on how to save money in your kitchen

Put lids on saucepans when cooking to save energy and reduce condensation
Avoid filling the kettle more than you need to save energy and water
Always wash a full load or use a half-load or economy programme if your washing machine has one and use the lowest temperature programme possible

Fridges and freezers

Leave hot and warm food to cool before putting it in the fridge
Don’t leave fridge doors open longer than needed, cold air escapes and it takes three minutes for the fridge temperature to return for every one minute the door is left open
Make sure there is plenty of ventilation space at the back and top of your fridge freezer
Defrost regularly to save energy (the more ice there is, the more electricity is used)
Take food out of the freezer in plenty of time to allow it to defrost without using a microwave
Try to keep your fridge/ freezer about three quarters full. This is the most efficient capacity

Bathrooms - Top Tips on how to save money in your bathroom

Take a shower rather than a bath (an ordinary shower uses only two-fifths of the water needed for a bath)
Always put the plug in your basin or sink when running water
Make sure taps aren’t left dripping (in one day a dripping tap wastes enough energy and water to fill a bath)

The Green Living Centre offers free and independent advice and guidance on a wide range of energy issues, if you want to: