by T J Neale

Created on: June 17, 2008

Inflation is with us always, but right now, energy bills are soaring. It is a good time to take a look at your lifestyle and home and find simple ways to save energy and money.

Completing these simple jobs will save you energy around your home.
* Replace your light bulbs with energy efficient ones.
* Ensure hot water tank is well insulated.
* Eliminate drafts from windows and doors.

Some more complex (and expensive) home project are worth considering if you own your own home.
* Fit double glazing.
* Fit cavity wall insulation.
* Fit roof insulation.
* Consider solar water-heating.
* Consider solar powered electricity generation.
* Fit a micro-windmill to generate electricity.

Look at your home heating. There is almost always some simple and effective way to save energy here.
* Get a modern condensing boiler
* Ensure your boiler / furnace is serviced once a year
* Modernize room heating controls
* Make sure each room can be set to a different temperature.
* Set thermostat as low as is comfortable. Do you need to be wearing only a t-shirt in the dead of winter?
* Do you really need to heat every room in the house?
* Close doors to unused rooms.
* Keep radiators clear. Allow air to flow around them.
* Draw the curtains at dusk.
* Heating to goes off 30 minutes before you leave home, and come on 30 minutes before you return.

Cooling is often another major part of power bills.
* If you have air-conditioning, is it a modern energy efficient model?
* Set your thermostat as high as is comfortable.
* Do not place lamps or TV sets near your air-conditioning thermostat.
* Consider using an interior fan in conjunction with air conditioner.
* Plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units, but not to block the airflow.
* Place your room air conditioner on the north side of the house.
* Do not set thermostat at a cooler setting than normal when you turn on air conditioner
* Keep the window coverings closed during the day.

Reduce energy burned driving.
* Dump the gas-guzzler for something smaller .
* Make sure your vehicle is regularly serviced.
* Drive carefully, keep speed changes smooth.

Get into some good habits to save energy.
* Switch off appliances when it is not in use.
* Unplug charging equipment once fully charged.

Take care when cooking.
* Smallest possible saucepan and ring.
* Lids on saucepans.
* Prefer a pressure cooker, a steamer or a microwave to an oven

How are you using your hot water?
* Turn the hot water tank thermostat down to 60 degrees c.
* Minimum amount of water in the kettle as needed.
* Prevent limescale build up.
* Shower not bath.

Good habits concerning the fridge and freezer.
* Fridge door open for minimum time possible.
* Allow food to cool before putting into fridge.
* Defrost fridge regularly.
* Keep appliances in a cool room.
* Fill empty voids with ice.

Good habits concerning the washing machine and dishwasher.
* Use a modern, front loading machine.
* Only wash full loads or use a half-load program.
* Always use a low temperature or economy program.

There are no good habits concerning the tumble dryer.
* Use as little as possible.
* Dry clothes outside whenever possible.

It is not too hard to saving energy and money in your home. You can be richer, warming in the winter, cooler in the summer and smug all year round. Just follow the above advice wherever possible.

Remember, "A penny saved is a penny earned."

Learn more about this author, T J Neale.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.