If each of us becomes aware of our own power when it comes to energy efficiency, and use it properly, we can collectively make a big difference, to ourselves, to our pockets, and to the environment. By taking individual responsibility and changing our behaviour in small ways every day, we will help save energy while we save money too. All we have to do is recognise our power, and use it.

Energy is essential to the comfort of our homes to provide heat and electricity. We also use energy to run our cars and for personal transport. However, there are lots of ways we can use energy more efficiently while still meeting our energy needs.

Here are some no cost measures to get you started with energy conservation:

• Many people keep their thermostat too high. Check yours today and if it’s above 20ºC turn it down. Lowering your thermostat by just 1ºC will knock 10% off your heating bill.
• Much of the heat loss from a house occurs through the windows, particularly if they are single glazed. So keep your curtains closed at night, even in empty rooms and also ensure that the curtains don’t hang over the radiators as that will just funnel all your heat out the window.
• Close room doors to separate heated from unheated areas of your home, and minimise the area you are heating. There is no need to spend money heating rooms nobody is in.
• Turn the lights off when leaving a room.
• Switch appliances off rather than leaving them on standby. This will save up to 20% of your appliances’ energy use.
• Make better use of the timers on your immersion or boiler so you can control when the heating comes on and goes off. This means you have heating and hot water when and where you want it.
• Try and replace short car journeys to the shops, school or work with walking or cycling.

Do you use Energy Environmentally?