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Energy efficiency

Dales Housing has undertaken and continues to undertake a considerable amount of work to make the homes you live in warmer and more energy efficient. We have for instance installed or upgraded cavity wall and loft insulation, fitted new double glazed windows, new exterior doors and new more efficient central heating boilers.

However, there are many actions which each householder can do to reduce their energy consumption, many of these do not cost any money.

No cost energy saving tips

1. Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping.
2. Reduce your heating thermostat by 1°C.
3. Water needn't be heated to a scalding temperature. Your cylinder thermostat shouldn't need to be set higher than 60°C or 140°F.
4. Don't leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave appliances on charge unnecessarily.
5. Defrost fridges and freezers regularly to keep them running efficiently.
6. Don't put hot or warm food straight into the fridge - let it cool down first.
7. Always turn off the lights when you leave a room empty.
8. Where possible, position your fridge or freezer away from cookers or heaters.
9. Use the right size pan for the food and cooker hob.
10. Keep saucepan lids on - this enables you to turn down the heat.
11. Only boil as much water as you need (but remember to cover the elements if you're using an electric kettle).
12. Make sure you turn your taps off fully and fix any leaking taps. A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and in one week wastes enough hot water to fill half a bath.
13. If you're not filling up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, use the half-load or economy programme.

Low cost energy saving tips

1. Stop draughts! By fitting simple draught proofing materials to your windows and doors yourself, you can save money and you will feel more warm and comfortable in your home.
2. Fitting a thick insulating jacket to your hot water tank will help keep your hot water hotter for longer.
3. Use energy saving light bulbs. They last up to 12 times longer than ordinary light bulbs so you can save money over the lifetime of each bulb.

Remember your safety!

Gas, oil and solid fuel appliances need fresh air to function properly and safely. So you must never block off the air vents in the rooms they are in!

Buying new appliances

When you need to buy replacement appliances such as washing machines, cookers and fridges, choose energy efficient appliances, look out for the distinctive blue Energy Efficiency Recommended logo. It demonstrates that the appliance being bought is one of the most efficient in its category. There will also be a label giving an energy rating, appliances rated A are the most efficient.

An energy efficient washing machine uses a third of the energy of an old, inefficient model and cuts water consumption considerably
Using a 40°C wash cycle rather than 60°C means you use a third less electricity. Modern washing powders and detergents work just as effectively at lower temperatures so unless you have very dirty washing, bear this in mind
An energy efficient dishwasher will cut energy wastage by nearly half on non-efficient models. When using your dishwasher or washing machine, it's better to wait for a full load, or use the economy cycle if your machine has one
By buying an efficient tumble dryer, you can cut energy wastage by almost a third. To save further energy, avoid trying to dry really wet clothes - wring or spin-dry them first. Not only will the clothes dry faster, you will save money.
Don’t buy a larger fridge or freezer than you need, the larger the appliance the more energy it uses.
An energy efficient fridge freezer uses nearly a third less energy to do the same job as a 10-year-old appliance.

The following links are to websites that can provide more information, advice and help on energy saving.

Advice is available from Derbyshire Dales District Council on finding grants, locating discount schemes and undertaking low/no cost energy efficiency measures.

Please use the links below to access more information or contact the Council direct on 01629 761304 or via energyadvice@derbyshiredales.gov.uk.

Dales Housing Limited. Registered Office - Dimple Mill, Dimple Road, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3JX
Company Registered in England, Number 4201820. VAT Registration Number 917 941 988. Registered with the Housing Corporation No. L4332