Domestic efficiency

Like charity, carbon offsetting should begin at home.

Here are a list of things you can do to reduce your domestic footprint :

• Install good insulation and heating controls
  
  
• Buy a highly efficient condensing boiler if your old central heating boiler is worn out
  
  
• Use modern electric storage heaters if you are in an all-electric home
  
  
• Choose "A" rated appliances (such as fridges and washing machines), where possible
  
  
• Follow a few easy tips, like moving your furniture away from radiators to allow heat to circulate
  
  
• Turn your thermostat down by 1ºC: it could cut your heating bills by up to 10 per cent and save you around £40 per year
  
  
• Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows
  
  
• Always turn off the lights when you leave a room
  
  
• Don't leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave appliances on charge unnecessarily
  
  
• If you're not filling up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, use the half-load or economy programme
  
  
• Only boil as much water as you need (but remember to cover the elements if you're using an electric kettle).
  
  
• Replace your light bulbs with energy saving recommended ones: just one can reduce your lighting costs by up to £100 over the lifetime of the bulb - and they last up to 12 times longer than ordinary light bulbs.
  
  
• And remember
  
  • Your water may be too hot: your cylinder thermostat shouldn't need to be set higher than 60ºC/140ºF
    
  • A dripping hot water tap in one week wastes enough hot water to fill half a bath, so fix leaking taps and make sure they're  turned off! 
    
    

 

 

 

Individuals