10 ways to save energy in the home

10 ways to save energy in the home

Saving energy, especially at home, not only helps the environmet, but will benefit your bank balance too. Prima homes expert Suzanne Wilkinson shows you how to run your home for less.

Radiator MOT

Mind the gap

Fill draughty - and costly - gaps in doors and window frames with Unibond No More Big Gaps, £7.72 for 300ml. It takes just seconds to spray in, expanding ingeniously to fill the hole, and can be sanded to a smooth finish. Also, seal gaps around doors with a self-adhesive foam strip for less than a fiver.

Heavy drapes

As autumn sets in, swap your light summery curtains for heavier, richly textured drapes in velvet or wool mixes that will keep the heat in and look ultra stylish, too. Coordinate with luxurious cushions to complete the look.

Style statement

Easy-Heat water-filled electric radiators are 100 per cent energy-efficient, easy to regulate and work like self-contained central heating systems, with their own mini boiler and pump. Just mount them on the wall and plug in. Visit www.easy-heat.co.uk for more information.

Switch off

Installing low-energy CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs is a great cost-cutter as they last five to six times longer than conventional bulbs and now cost only around £2 each. For competitive prices, visit www.greenandeasy.co.uk.  Also, Switch lights off when leaving a room for a possible saving of £270-£315 a year.

Double or nothing

Ways to secure big energy discounts include signing up for a dual-fuel tariff, paid by monthly Direct Debit. Cheapest of all is an online tariff, which could save an average of £132, says www.thisismoney.co.uk.

Cooler than cool

Fridge technology has progressed fast, so an A rating has been superseded by an A+ or even A++, which could save you £35 per year. Consider the storage space you really need and don\'t buy a monster fridge or freezer if you may not use all the space. A full fridge runs more efficiently, and as it\'s always on, it\'s where big savings can be made.

Go direct

Deveolp the Direct Debit habit. Paying all your home bills, including phone bills, this way could mean possible savings of £200 a year. Visit www.thesmartwaytopay.co.uk to find out how.

Microwave magic

Save energy by cooking vegetables in the microwave instead of the hob and save £1.50 a week. Visit www.microwaveassociation.org.uk. To cook food faster, choose the right-sized pan, cut food into smaller pieces and cover with a lid.

Compare and contrast

Switching your energy supplier pays: you can reap savings of up to £325 by moving to a different one. Use price comparison services such as www.switchwithwhich.co.uk and www.uswitch.com to work out the best one for you.

Looking for more ways to save some cash?

Now you\'ve saved on your energy and on your bills why not have a look at how to cut further costs around the house

or

discover how to make do and mend your favourite clothes

or

try creating Oliver Heath\'s eco chic look in your home