how to save energy in your home hello and welcome to videojug almost all of the energy supplied to our homes is produced by burning fossil fuels this releases huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere causing the greenhouse effect by heating up the planet the consequence of this is catastrophic by saving energy within our homes we can directly reduce the amount of pollutants choking up the planet keep watching to see how a few simple steps can make a lot of difference this is based on advice from friends of the earth one of the world's leading environmental agencies step 1 draft proof your house in an average house up to twenty percent of heat is lost through drafts to test an area simply hold the palm of your hand up against a door or window if you feel cold air coming through warm air is escaping this is simple to fix and can save you hundreds on your yearly heating bill fit draught excluders around all exterior doors and interior if need fill in any cracks or crevices on window frames skirting boards or floors with a filler or sealant step 2 turn down the thermostat turning your thermostat down by just one degree can reduce your energy consumption by over five percent you won't even notice the difference in room temperature on the same note don't heat rooms when you're not using them step 3 hot water temperature your hot water thermostat needn't be higher than 60 degrees centigrade that's 140 degrees Fahrenheit any higher and you'll only be mixing it with cold water to cool it back down for use step 4 turn off turn off any appliances you're not using that includes switching off lights when you leave the room and don't use the standby function on your TV stereo and DVD player appliances left on standby mode when they could be turned off pumps up to 1 million tons of carbon into the atmosphere each year step 5 wash economically try to only use the washing machine when you've collected a full load if not use the economy or half load setting modern washers work just as effectively at 40 degrees as they do at 60 but the 40 degree setting will cut carbon emissions by a third tumble dryers use up a huge amount of energy hang your clothes on a line instead this is better for your clothes as well as the environment washing economically doesn't just apply to your clothes taking a shower instead of a bath uses around fifty percent less energy step 6 insulate up to a third of your home heating escapes through the roof prevent this by insulating your loft not only is it simple to do but the most cost efficient energy saving measure you can make if you don't already have it invest in cavity wall insulation this will prevent another third of your heat escaping step 7 grants saving energy is such a vital issue that grants are available to help you make the necessary home improvements energy suppliers the government and your local council all offer help in paying for energy saving measures check on the energy saving trust website to see what offers are available to you step 8 energy-efficient appliances from light bulbs to kitchen goods to Home Entertainment equipment there are a plethora of energy-efficient appliances now on the market amazingly they can use fifty percent less than other models and up to a quarter less for light bulbs have a look at the energy-saving trusts website to see their product recommendations make sure you use all your electrical appliances in an energy efficient way when using a kettle only boil as much water as you need don't eat the fridge or freezer doors open for longer than necessary and don't forget your freezer needs to be defrosted regularly for it to run efficiently give your boiler regular check-ups especially if you've had it for a few years step 9 switch to eco-friendly energy many energy suppliers are now offering power from renewable sources rather than polluting fossil fuels do your research to find out which company in your area is offering green energy it won't take long to fill out the paperwork but the consequences will last lifetimes following these steps will not only save you hundreds in bills but also help save the planet done you