Energy efficiency tips

• Close the curtains at dusk and tuck them behind any radiators (except gas wall heaters).
• Move furniture that blocks heat from radiators.
• Cover up draughty gaps around letterboxes, keyholes and doors.
• Open internal doors of rooms which get most of the sunlight to allow warm air to travel through and heat your home naturally.

• Always turn off the lights when you leave a room and you are not going to return soon.
• Use energy-efficient light bulbs - fitting just one energy-saving light bulb could save you on average £3 a year, and by swapping all the inefficient bulbs in your home for energy-saving alternatives you could save around £55 per year.
• Buy energy-efficient appliances - when replacing appliances look for the energy efficiency recommended logo as a guide to help you choose the most energy-efficient product. An 'A' rated fridge can save you about £40 a year compared to a 'G' rated one.
• When making a hot drink - only boil as much water as you need (but remember to cover the elements if you're using an electric kettle).
• Don't leave the TV, video or computer on standby. Switch off appliances at the wall or pull the plug out as leaving unnecessary items on standby could cost each household an average of £37 a year.
• Don't leave mobile phones and other equipment on charge unnecessarily.

• If your supplier has recently gone out of business, please visit the Ofgem website for advice on switching energy supplier.

Information on the Scottish Government's Warmer Homes Scotland scheme, which includes grant/loan funding opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of your home is available from Home Energy Scotland,freephone 0808 808 2282. You can also contact our Advice Team by email at adviceteam@sc.homeenergyscotland.org.