Without proper insulation in your attic you are losing energy and money through your roof.

• Check and see if your attic is insulated, there are a variety of materials you can insulate your attic with: mineral wool, rock wool, sheep’s wool, polystyrene, cellulose fibre and multi-layered foil.
• The water tank and pipes should also be insulated to prevent freezing.
• Check the attic hatch or door for cold draughts, seal with draught proofing to prevent heat escaping.

The bathroom is generally where the largest quantity of hot water is used so there are good opportunities for energy savings.

• Taking a shower rather than a bath uses only a fifth of the energy. Hot water for 6 showers (5mins) equals 1 bath.
• Never leave hot water running unnecessarily.
• Generate hot water only when it’s required and store hot water efficiently.
• Fix leaking taps.

It is wasteful and ineffective to leave a hot water cylinder uninsulated.

• The cylinder should always be lagged to minimise heat loss and keep the water hot for as long as possible. It is better still if the water cylinder has factory-applied insulation.
• If your hot water is being heated by the central heating boiler you should fit a cylinder thermostat to moderate the temperature.

• CFL and LED energy efficient bulbs can be used to replace existing tungsten bulbs.
• Radiators in bedrooms should be turned off when the rooms are not in use.
• A radiator thermostat can make radiators more efficient and can be used throughout the house.

The kitchen and utility rooms tend to be where most electricity is used.

• When purchasing a washer, dryer, fridge, freezer, dishwasher or oven, look for the energy label, get an A or B rated appliances where possible.
• Use CFL bulbs or fluorescent tubes, these are more energy efficient than traditional tungsten bulbs.

• Use CFLs or dimmer switches
• Unplug or turn off electrical equipment such as TVs, videos/ DVDs, Hi-Fi and computers when not in use, as they use energy even when they are on ‘standby’. In fact, all lights and appliances should be switched off when not in use.

Did you know... an open fire loses up to 85% of its energy up the chimney. Install a chimney balloon to prevent draught when the fire is not in use. This must be removed prior to lighting the fire.

Lighting is generally left on for long periods. Only background heating is required.

• This is an ideal location for CFLs to be installed.
• Set your radiator at its lowest setting.
• If your hall door or letterbox allow draughts in during winter, they should be draught-proofed.

• Make sure your heating system is running on a timer – to reduce wasteful use of energy.
• Turn the heating down by 1°C on your thermostat and you can reduce your annual heating bill by 10%.
• Turn down your thermostat to 20°C.
• Have your boiler professionally serviced at least once a year.

• Check all windows and external doors for draughts.
• Double or triple glazed windows save huge amounts of energy.
• Close curtains at night to save heat.
• Put a lagging jacket on your hot water cylinder.