How to Save Energy and Money
Mercian’s Top 10 Tips -
1. Turn your thermostat* down! Reducing your room temperature by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10%. You could save around £50 per year.
2. Is your water too hot? Your cylinder thermostat* should be set at 60°C/140°F.
3. Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.
4. Always turn off the lights when you leave a room.
5. Don't leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave appliances on charge unnecessarily.
6. If you're not filling up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, use the half-load or economy programme.
7. Put tin foil behind radiators to reflect heat back in to a room and help prevent heat escaping through the wall.
8. Only boil as much water as you need (but remember to cover the element if you're using an electric kettle).
9. A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and in one week wastes enough hot water to fill half a bath, so fix leaking taps and make sure they are fully turned off!
10. Use energy saving light bulbs. They last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs, and using one can save you around £40 over the lifetime of the bulb.
* For help with your thermostat, contact Mercian on 0121 322 7337.