Be energy efficient
Energy efficiency is not only a key part of the battle to become greener, it can also help you save money. Below you'll find our top tips for being energy efficient, and if you have any further queries, you can also call our energy efficiency advice line on 0800 281 768.
Energy saving tips
1. Turn your thermostat down
Reducing your room temperature by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10 percent. You could save around £40 per year! You can also try putting on another layer of clothing before turning the heating up.
2. Reduce your water temperature
Is your water too hot? Your boiler thermostat shouldn't need to be set higher than 60°C / 140°F.
3. Close your curtains at dusk
Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.
4. Turn off unnecessary lights
Always turn off the lights when you leave a room.
5. Don't use standby
Don't leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave them on charge unnecessarily. Switch unessential appliances off at the plug to prevent them draining electricity when you're not using them.
6. Use half-load and economy programmes on appliances
If you're not filling up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, use the half-load or economy programme.
7. Only boil the water you need
Only boil as much water as you need, and always cover the elements of an electric kettle.
8. Don't let taps drip
A dripping hot water tap wastes energy, so make sure taps are fully turned off and that there are no leaks.
9. Use energy-saving light bulbs
Use energy-saving light bulbs. Just one can save you £100 over the lifetime of the bulb - and they last up to 12 times longer than ordinary light bulbs.
10. Do a home energy check
Do a home energy check and find out how you can save up to £300 on your household bills. You can do this online using the Energy Saving Trust website or call 0800 512 012.
How Hackney Council is saving energy
Hackney Council is committed to saving energy. The Council is focusing on reducing office energy use, and modernising our fleet to make the most of hybrid technology and biodiesel.
We also encourage green design for new buildings, and the council's new office buildings feature renewable energy systems which displace some fossil fuel use.
More information about saving energy
- Find out more about our energy advice line.
- Read Government advice on how to save energy.
- Read Hackney Homes' energy efficiency information.
- Play the Department of Energy and Climate Change's 2050 game and see if you can help reduce the UK's CO2 levels.
Page updated: 31 Oct 2011
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