Save the environment - and £2,200!

2.26.50pm GMT Wed 20th Dec 2006

Save the world, save a fortune is the message from council environment experts keen to highlight how residents could save more than £2,200 in the New Year.

Milton Keynes Council (MKC) is promoting a number of energy-saving initiatives to inform homeowners how they can make a difference to both their finances and to planet earth.

Now in a New Year challenge to the city's 220,000 residents, council officers pointed out how simple lifestyle changes could help pay for next year's Christmas festivities or even a family holiday.

Cllr Douglas McCall, council cabinet member responsible for environment, said: "It is amazing how we can all make a difference by doing some really simple things to save energy. I have a new home that has many of the energy saving features such as cavity and loft insulation built in to it.

Still there are things I can do and for example I have made sure my thermostat is turned down and I have installed some energy saving light bulbs. Of course, the more energy we save the more money we all save so there is a real practical reason for us all to carry out these steps in the New Year."

Some of the money-saving steps include:

1, Join Carsharemk Save £1000 a year per car.

2, Fit loft insulation up to £180 a year

3, Install energy saving light bulbs £30 a year for average family.

4, Turn thermostat down one degree £50 a year.

5, Lag your boiler £20 a year.

6, Fit water meter £45 for a family of four.

7, Replace old fridge/freezer with A energy rated appliance up to £45 a year

8, Replace old boiler(15 years) up to £200 a year.

9. Draught proof windows and doors £20 a year.

10, Turn off appliances on stand by £45 a year

11, Fill gaps between floor and skirting boards £20 a year

12, Insulate pipes £10 a year

13, Cavity wall insulation £130 a year

14, Replace old washing machine/dishwasher with A rated appliance £30 a year.

15, External wall insulation £300 a year.

16, Fit thermostatic controls £90 a year

Total £2215

To encourage energy saving in the city, the council funded MK Energy Agency is available to advise on energy saving in the home and in running a business.

Gordon Glass, marketing co-ordinator with the agency, highlights how appliances on standby account for 10 per cent of average electricity usage in the home. He said: "When the TV is not in use, turn it off rather than use standby.

"Also one easy to follow tip is to set your thermostat at between 19 and 21° C. Every 1° C above this adds 10% on to your fuel bills."

For further information about how to save energy and save a fortune contact the MK Energy Agency on 01908 699927 or visit www.mkea.org.uk.

Energy-saving Factfile

1. Set your thermostat at between 19 and 21° C. Every 1° C above this adds 10% on to your fuel bills.

2. Remember to turn lights off when leaving a room. It's a myth that fluorescent tubes use more energy to switch them on than they use when they are on. Switch them off when not required.

3. When the TV is not in use, turn it off rather than use standby. Appliances on standby are now responsible for about 10% of an average household's electricity use.

4. Don't overfill the kettle for just one drink, but remember that with electric kettles the element always needs to be covered. Jug kettles need less water as they have smaller elements.

5. Replacing ordinary light bulbs with energy saving ones will use around one fifth of the electricity.

6. A hot water tank jacket costs only a few pounds and can pay for itself in energy savings within a few months.

7. Don't leave the fridge door open for longer than necessary, and try to avoid putting warm food straight into the fridge - wait until it has cooled down.

8. Wait until you have a full load before using the washing machine.

9. Stored water should be heated to around 60°C This is high enough to kill off dangerous bacteria and is plenty warm enough for bathing and washing.

10. Cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and other measures can help make considerable energy savings. Houseowners do not have to be in receipt of benefits to take advantage of grants and discounts, but if you receive an income or disability related benefit you may be entitled to have the work done free.