Smart Energy

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Written by Time Out

Become a

Want to discover how to reduce energy consumption, save money and help the environment? Just by making small changes to your energy use at home, we could achieve 11 percent of the UK’s 2050 carbon emissions target. We’re here to bring you some handy tips that could make a big difference. Click around the home to find out more, and scroll to get info on becoming a smart renter.

Your TV might just be the most power-hungry piece of entertainment equipment you own. Regardless of its energy rating, the larger the screen, the more energy it consumes. Choose a smaller TV with an OLED or QLED screen to save energy.

Switch your appliances off at the wall! The Energy Saving Trust estimates that switching them off standby mode could save you around £35 a year.

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A smart meter could help you save money. The meter comes with an in-home display screen, which shows you how much energy you’re using, in near-real time, in pounds and pence. That means you can understand and be aware of your energy consumption. Your smart meter also sends readings straight to your energy supplier, at least once a month. This means you will only pay for the energy you actually use. No more estimated bills and no more manual meter readings!

Learn more about smart meters here!

Renters can get smart meters! Getting one installed at no extra cost, is the bill-payer’s responsibility, not the landlord’s. We still recommend contacting your landlord in advance to let them know. If your landlord pays the energy bills for your home, it’s their decision on whether or not to install a smart meter – but it is worth asking...

Get a slow cooker! They’re super energy efficient and great for stews, tagines and curries. Microwaves are also less power-hungry than ovens.

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‘Wet’ appliances – that’s mainly dishwashers and washing machines – are the biggest energy-users in a home. Choose the eco setting on your dishwasher and wait until it’s full to turn it on. Washing at 30 degrees can also use 57 percent less electricity than higher temperatures.

Filling a kettle with just the amount of water you need could save you up to £6 a year.

A water efficient shower head could save a four-person household up to £30 a year on gas, plus a further £45 a year on water bills! Spend just one minute less in the shower each day to save up to £4 per person off your energy bills, or a further £7 if you have a water meter.

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Got a hair dryer? They’re the biggest energy users of all the beauty gadgets. Turn it to the coolest setting and switch to a low wattage hair dryer.

Feeling chilly? Instead of turning up the thermostat, moving your furniture slightly further away from the radiators can boost heat in the room and reduce energy consumption.

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Replace your lightbulbs with energy-saving LEDs. They’re also cheaper to run!

Did you know that laptops use up to 85 percent less electricity a year than desktop PCs? You could save up to £19 a year with a laptop, and even more with a tablet.

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Clever appliances that could save you money

Five myths about renting – busted

Six tips to make you a smarter renter

What’s the deal with… getting a smart meter?

Seven things that every London renter has experienced

Find out more here

Ask your energy supplier for a smart meter.

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Written by

Time Out