Whilst LPG is a clean, green and cost-effective energy source, we can all do that little bit extra for the planet and reduce our carbon footprint with simple and effective measures such as walking more, driving less, and recycling as much as possible. In addition, we can all be more low-carbon and energy efficient at home, and here are some tips to help you reduce the amount of energy you use and reduce your carbon footprint:
- Do not leave your devices plugged in when not in use. By unplugging TV’s, laptops and phone chargers, big savings can be made.
- Replace all light bulbs with LED’s – the Energy Savings Trust estimates a potential saving per person of £40 a year.
- Be energy efficient in your kitchen. Use a bowl for washing up to reduce water usage, only fill the kettle with what you need and put lids on pans when cooking.
- Save water at home. Have a shower instead of a bath and fit a water-efficient shower head.
- Turn off electrical appliances at the plug when not in use instead of leaving on standby – although some satellite and digital TV recorders may need to be left plugged in to keep track of any programmes you want to record. Also, fully load your dishwasher and washing machine and use economy cycles, and regularly defrost your freezer to keep it running as economically as you can.
- Reduce heat loss. Make sure your home is well insulated and draught-proof your doors and windows to reduce heat loss and if you have a chimney consider installing a chimney draught excluder too.
- Turn down your thermostat by 1 degree and use thermostats to only heat the rooms you are using.
- Service your boiler annually - keep it running at maximum efficiency, saving fuel by up to 10%. Summer is the best time of year for this as your boiler will need to be switched off.
Whilst we're all looking at ways to reduce our energy usage at home, some common energy saving tips are actually energy efficiency myths which may be costing you more. Check out our blog to find out more.