So what can you can take to lower your home’s energy usage? A few ideas to get you started:

• Turn off routers, chargers and screens at night – this saves a surprising amount of electricity 
• Wash only full loads in the washing machine, using a lower temperature
• Hang laundry outside rather than tumble-drying
• The single biggest thing you can do (in most homes) is insulate
• Change your appliance to ones with an A+ energy rating – especially fridges, freezers and cookers.
• Focus on hot water – shorter showers, less full kettles…
• Turn your thermostat down to 18 degrees and layer up warm clothes and socks
• Reduce your gas use by 6-8% by reducing the flow temperature on your boiler. This video shows you how.
• Stop chilly draughts with some low-cost DIY draught proofing

Note: For health and other reasons, some households will not be able to turn the thermostat as low as 18. Do not risk your health or wellbeing through being cold.

These measures can lower your bills, so it’s a win for the environment and a win for your wallet.

Don’t stop there – there’s many more ideas on reducing energy use around the home