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Cost of Living 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Switch appliances off standby mode You can save around £70 a year just by remembering to turn your appliances off standby mode. Draught-Proofing Unless your home is very new, you will lose some heat through draughts around doors and windows, gaps around the floor, or through the chimney. Draught-proofing around window, doors and blocking cracks in floors and skirting boards, can save around £63 per year on heating bills. Turning off lights Avoiding unnecessary use of lighting when you leave a room can save around £30 per year on annual heating bills. Energy Efficient Washing You can save around £30 per year by using the lower temperature (30 0 C) while washing. Avoid using tumble dryer You can save around £75 per year by opting for natural drying through the use of indoor drying racks in winter, or washing line in the summer. Minimise shower-time Keeping your shower to just 4 minutes can save a typical household around £70 per year on annual bills. Lower your thermostat temperature Turning your thermostat down by 1 degree can save as much as 8% on heating bills, and saves an estimated £80 per year. 8. 9. Reduce your dishwasher use Reducing dishwasher use by one cycle per week can save around £18 per year. Insulate your house Effective insulation of your hot water cylinder is important: even if you have thin spray foam or a loose 25mm jacket, you can benefit from increasing the insulation to a British Standard Jacket 80mm thick, saving £40 a year in the process. 10. Be savvy in the kitchen Websites which provide free advice: • Energy Saving Trust: energysavingtrust.org.uk • NI Direct: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/ energy-efficiency-tips • NI Housing Executive: www.nihe.gov.uk/community /ni-energy-advice • Bryson Energy: www.brysonenergy.org/what- we-do/our-services/advice If you run a small business, NI Business Info has some great guides: nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/saving-energy- and-cutting-costs Consumer Council provides free advice and can investigate and pursue complaints on your behalf if they feel you have been overcharged: www.consumercouncil.org.uk Energy Saving Ideas The cost-of-living crisis has placed immense strain on households across the District, with increased food and energy prices, forcing people to make difficult financial decisions. Latest data estimates that 20% of the population in the Fermanagh and Omagh District is living in relative poverty. The Energy Saving Trust is a great website, and has a wide range of resources to help you reduce your energy consumption. Below are 10 of their top recommendations to help you save money on your utility bills: 16 in-FO in Fermanagh & Omagh | Spring 2024 | Winter Using the minimum volume of water when boiling the kettle can save around £15 per year. Opting for air fryer, as opposed to electric hobs and cookers, can save money when preparing small meals.