How to reduce your carbon footprint

It is always best to save as much energy as possible before thinking about making your own renewable power so have a go at using the following energy saving tips at home to see how much energy you can save:

• Sign up to NIE’s Eco Energy tariff to have your electricity supplied by a renewable resource at no extra cost*
• Turn appliances off when you aren’t using them – TV, lights, computer, DVD player etc
  
• Fit energy saving light bulbs - they use 80% less electricity and last 10 times longer.
  
• Unplug your mobile phone as soon as it has finished charging.
  
• Always close the fridge or freezer door tight and defrost them regularly.
  
• Be sure to fill your dishwasher and washing machine with a full load – this will save you water, electricity and washing powder.
  
• Close the curtains when it gets dark to keep the heat in – don’t let curtains hang over the radiators
  
• Use a jug kettle for boiling water and only boil as much water as you need – do make sure the element is covered
  
• Fit a jacket on the hot water cylinder and insulate the water pipes
  
• Install loft insulation that is at least 270mm deep – this can save around 20% of your heating costs
• Fit reflector panels behind the radiators especially those on the outer walls
  
• Cavity wall insulation is one of the best energy saving measures
  
• When buying a new appliance look for the energy label which shows how efficient an appliance is using a scale of ‘A-G’ – A is good, A** is even better!

Producing your own energy is the next step and you can use the natural resources which are all around you to help protect the environment and reduce your energy costs at home.

*Eco Energy is not available for Economy 7 customers or businesses