Buildings - What’s the big deal?
Every time we switch on a plug, use hot water or turn on a light, the energy that we use comes directly from the National Grid. Whilst the UK is generating more energy from clean and renewable sources every year, lots of this energy is created in ways that directly cause climate change.
Small changes to the way you use energy and water can make a big difference to the size of your bills and reduce your impact on the environment.
Seven simple ways to save energy and cut your bills
Switch it off
The average household spends more than £30 every year powering appliances left on standby. That doesn’t even include the money we spend heating water and rooms when we don’t need to.
Power off devices, appliances, lighting, and heating when it’s not needed. It’s an easy win-win for the planet and your finances.
The same goes for when you leave the office too: don’t forget to switch off monitors, computers and lights before you leave.
If you’re forgetful, consider investing in sockets, timers or sensors to make turning things off (and on) even easier. You can also track your energy usage easily by getting a free smart meter installed.
Upgrade your heating
How we heat our homes is one of the most important environmental decisions we can make.
Many homes in Leeds are heated using gas or oil, but burning either of these fuels makes climate change worse and can be expensive.
Electricity-based heating systems (including heat pumps and modern radiators) are greener and can be cheaper too.
If you live near one, connecting to a low-carbon district heating network like the Leeds PIPES scheme is another affordable, reliable, and sustainable way of heating your home.
Find out more about how you can upgrade your heating system and check if you qualify for any local or national support to improve your home on Leeds City Council’s energy efficiency website.
Home grown energy
Have you ever considered making your own electricity?
Installing renewable technology is an investment, but it can save you significant money long-term.
Whether by wind, solar, or hydro, you could save on electricity bills—and cut your carbon footprint—by making your own clean, green electricity.
You can sell extra power that you don’t use back to the electricity grid—or connect a battery and use it later instead. Learn more about generating renewable energy at home from the experts at the Energy Saving Trust.
Take a load off
Laundry takes a lot of energy, water and time, so take a load off by airing your clothes out rather than washing.
Only do the laundry if you have a full load, wash at 30°C (unless your clothes are particularly dirty) and use your machine’s eco-setting, if it has one.
Tumble dryers are one of the most expensive appliances to run in the home and they can shorten the life of your clothes too. Drying your clothes on a dryer or line during the summer can save you £30 off your yearly electricity bill — but don’t forget to leave a window open if airing clothes inside.
Keep the warmth in (and out)
British homes are some of the oldest and ‘leakiest’ for heat in Europe and it’s energy bill payers that pay the price for all that wasted heat.
If you live in a cold, old or draughty home then you can save money on your energy bills by installing energy efficiency measures which help keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Home insulation, draught proofing or even insulating your hot water tank and pipes can make a difference.
Find out more about how you can make your home more efficient and check if you qualify for any local or national support to improve your home on Leeds City Council’s energy efficiency website.
Every drop matters
Heating water is one of the most energy-intensive activities in our homes.
Save hot water (and money) by optimising the settings of your combi-boiler, opting for short showers rather than longer baths, popping a pan lid on when cooking, using a washing-up bowl when doing dishes by hand, and not boiling the kettle with more water than you need.
Using less cold water also helps. So turn the tap off when brushing your teeth, use a water butt in your garden, and order a free water saving pack from Yorkshire Water to save even more.
LED the way and aim for A+++
If you’re a homeowner - or your landlord allows it - switch your lights to low energy bulbs. LED lights are a bright idea: they use 85% less energy than traditional bulbs and last much longer.
In the market for a new appliance? Look out for its energy rating. An A+++ rating will mean lower running costs, saving you money in the long term—even if it might cost a little bit more to buy.
Make sure that you dispose of your appliances in the best way too: give your appliances a new lease of life by selling, donating, or recycling them.
Do more
Find out more about the support and advice available to help property owners and landlords install energy-saving measures from Leeds City Council’s ‘Home Energy Help’ team.
Long and steamy, or short and sweet? Take the #TapChat Quiz to find out what kind of water user you are and get simple water saving tips that suit your lifestyle.
Visit the Energy Saving Trust website for lots more tips on using less energy at home.