What do you do to save energy in your home? Do you shut the lights off each time you leave a room? Perhaps you make sure you buy only energy saving appliances? In the face of current environmental concerns everyone should be doing their bit to conserve energy. However, that is not the only reason why it is so important. Did you know that just by making a few small changes to the way you use your energy you could save substantial amounts on your energy bills? Take a look at these tips to help you save:

1. Turn your thermostat down. Reducing your room temperature by 1�C could cut your heating bills by up to 10 percent. If you have a programmable boiler, set your heating and hot water to come on only when necessary.

2. Is your water too hot? Your cylinder thermostat should be set at 60�C/140�F.

3. Close your curtains at night to stop heat escaping through the windows and check for draughts around windows and doors.

4. Always turn off the lights when you leave a room.

5. Don't leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave laptops and mobile phones charging unnecessarily.

6. Fill up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher with one full load. This uses less energy than two half loads.

7. Only boil as much water as you need as this uses a lot of electricity.

8. A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and in one week wastes enough hot water to fill half a bath, so fix leaking taps and make sure they're tightly turned off.

9. Use energy saving light bulbs. They last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs, and using one can save you around �45 over the lifetime of the bulb. This saving could be around �70 over its lifetime if you're replacing a high wattage incandescent bulb, or one used for more than a few hours a day.

10. Do a home energy check. By answering a few simple questions your energy provider can give you a free, impartial report telling you how to save money on your household energy bills.

Author: Lex Braxtor

About the author:
Choose British Gas over other energy suppliers and get great energy prices for your dual fuel, gas and electricity.

Article source: Free Customer Service Articles.