With the government cuts taking hold and the winter approaching many are looking for ways to cut back on the bills and do their bit for the environment without spending a fortune on eco measures.  Small, inexpensive changes can add to a big difference and save you money on energy bills in the process.

Windows and doors

A lot of heat is lost through draughty, single-glazed windows and badly fitting doors.  By fitting heavy, floor length (ideally thermal-lined) curtains to the rooms you spend the majority of your time in you will help keep in the heat during the winter nights.   Although curtains can be expensive they are an investment and you can take them with you if you move.

By putting cling film over your draughty single-glazed windows you can prevent energy loss – this is really easy and cheap. All you need is cling film, sellotape, scissors and a hairdryer (to remove any crinkles once the clingfilm has been sellotaped down).

For door draught-proofing you can make your own draught excluders, which saves money by recycling old fabric and keeps your houe warm.  Also if you are a sewing machine novice this is a good place to start.

Water

By fitting an aerator to taps and shower heads in your bathroom and kitchen you can use up to 60% less water, saving on your heating and water bills.

Heating and Hot Water

Invest in thermals, get a warm duvet, and turn down that thermostat. If you have a timer, set it to only come on when needed, turning down your thermostat by 1.5C can reduce your bills by as much as 10%.

Fit individual valves to each radiator to stop heating every room in the house.

Increasing radiator efficiency is also an easy way to warm up your house, and reduce your bills. The easiest way to do this is to place foil behind radiators. By taping foil wrapped polystyrene tiles behind your radiator you will stop heat being lost into the walls.

Lighting

Changing all bulbs for energy saving ones is one of the easiest ways to save money, and green your property. The best options are either CFLs, or LED bulbs.

Standby

Fit a standby killer, or turn off and remove appliances at the wall. According to the British Government’s 2006, appliances on standby consumed 8% of all residential electricity.

Appliances

If you need a new electrical appliance, buying one with energy saving features can make a real difference, so look out for Energy Star logos, EU Energy Labels (from A to G) and also Energy Saving Trust Recommended stickers on certain products. Before purchasing a new appliance, check out Ethical Consumer which ranks the manufacturers according to a range of environmental criteria, including toxic chemicals, recycling and climate change.

Sign up to a green electricity provider

Many companies now offer eco-tariffs, where a proportion of your electricity supplied comes from green energy sources. Most also price match, so it won’t cost you any more money.

Click here to find the best tariff depending on your usage and area.