Top tips to help you save on energy usage

Tips on efficient usage of appliances in the home

Using your appliances more efficiently can help save water and energy and also save you money. When it comes to buying new appliances, MOLLY MAID, the UK’s leading domestic cleaning company, recommends that you choose the most efficient models to make a big difference.

Spare the dryer

Drying your clothes more efficiently will help save energy and money:

• When possible, dry your clothes outside or on a clothes’ rack.
• If you use the dryer, fill it each time, rather than putting on a number of small loads.

Washing machines and dishwashers

Here are some useful tips:

• Washing clothes at 30 degrees saves energy – today’s detergents wash just as well at low temperatures.
• Run washing machines and dishwashers less often, but with full loads – a half load setting uses more than half the energy and uses the water of a full load.
• Switching off and unplugging appliances at the wall when not in use will save the energy used by lights and displays.
• Cleaning filters regularly keeps appliances running efficiently.
• When choosing a washing machine, look for a machine that uses less than 50 litres per wash.
• For dishwashers, look for one that uses less than 15 litres per wash.

Fridges and freezers

• Use fridges and freezers more efficiently by defrosting appliances regularly.
• An energy efficient fridge freezer uses nearly a third of the energy of a 10-year-old model. Fridges and freezers work harder than any other kitchen appliance – they’re on 24 hours a day.
• Choosing the right appliance can help you both save money and lessen your impact on the environment.

Energy efficient cooking

You can also use the appliances you have in an efficient way when you are cooking. Things to consider:

• Putting a lid on a pan will significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to boil.
• Only boil as much water as you need – electric kettles use nearly a third of all the electricity an average household uses for cooking.
• Use a microwave rather than a conventional oven – there is emerging research that indicates that this may save you energy.

Save energy – or switch it off

Energy is used by electronic items left on standby and by mobile phone chargers left plugged in, but not connected to an appliance.

You can save energy by:

• Unplugging your chargers.
• Turning off TV equipment, not by using the remote control.
• Turning your monitor off and activating power management (energy saving) on your computer.

Think before you print

Only print when you really need to as this saves energy, paper and ink. Other things you can do include:

• Print double-sided to save paper.
• Recycle your wastepaper, and use recycled paper.
• To save ink select ‘draft’ or ‘economy’ settings when you print.
• Refill or recycle empty printer cartridges.
• RecycleNow website -recycling printer cartridges.

Use fewer batteries

Every year, 25 – 30,000 tonnes of portable batteries are thrown away. It’s important to recycle batteries as they can contain valuable metals. Some also contain harmful chemicals like lead and mercury which can leak into the ground. To reduce your battery use you could try:

• Plugging gadgets into the mains while using them where possible.
• Using rechargeable batteries when you can.
• Recycling all unwanted batteries where possible.
• Using wind-up/ solar gadgets like radios or torches that don’t require batteries.

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