Saving Energy

10 free ways to save – Explains some of the first things to do to save energy.

Draught proofing – Shows the ways in which draughts can be excluded – and the risk of going too far.

Insulation methods – Presents the most cost-effective types of insulation.

Heating controls – Explains how to ensure that the boiler runs only when heat is needed.

Devices on standby – Discusses how leaving electronic devices powered up when not in use wastes energy.

Standby energy consumption – Presents real measurements of specific devices in standby mode. TVs are not the main culprits!

Monitoring Energy Usage

(Thoroughly updated and rewritten in May 2013.)

Total energy usage – Describes several inexpensive devices that can display the electricity consumption, and in some cases gas consumption, of a house and record it. This helps to detect wasteful use of energy, and for many people is a real eye-opener.

Single-device electricity usage – Describes single-socket monitors that measure the consumption of individual appliances and gadgets. Although very useful, some of the monitors available are not sensitive enough to measure the energy used in standby.

Smart meters – Old-fashioned electricity and gas meters are gradually being replaced by so-called smart meters that send readings directly to the energy provider, can handle variable tariffs, and provide detailed monitoring of energy consumption. We describe these devices and discuss their benefits and possible problems.

Energy-Related Topics

Energy myths – Some common assumptions about saving energy are myths, while others are largely true. We try to separate truth from myth.

Green tariffs – What are green tariffs and are they worthwhile?

Reducing the supply voltage – It is possible to save energy consumption of some devices by reducing the voltage within a house. But for many appliances that doesn't help, and the device reducing the energy must not consume too much energy itself.