Story by Saleema Imam
Fuel charges have increased several times recently and are set to keep on rising. Here are a few tips which would cost you very little and help to keep your fuel bills down.
Turn the central heating down a couple of degrees; you won’t feel the difference but it will show on your bills
Never leave your TV and other electrical appliances on standby, it can use 75% of the electricity. Always turn them off when not in use.
Draw the curtains as soon as it goes dark to keep the heat in and the cold out.
Dry your washing naturally when possible instead of using the tumble dryer.
Use low energy light bulbs – they are available free or at a subsidised cost if you look in the right places.
When making drinks, boil only the water you need.
Draughtproof your windows, doors and skirting boards.
Make sure your external walls, loft, floors and hot-water tank are insulated properly.
Warm Front grants are available towards the cost of the last two items (contact: 0800 316 2814). More information about saving energy can be found at Recycling Matters! Call 275 8985, or look on www.recyclingmatters.org.uk.