1. Change Suppliers

Everyone should review their utility bills a minimum of once a year. It might seem like a bit of a chore, but it can really cut your monthly outgoings.

One of the best websites for changing energy suppliers is Uswitch. To get the best deals, you need to know your usage patterns, which means doing a bit of analysis of your past year's bills.

Don't stop at gas and electricity. Keep your eye open for deals on telephone, broadband and TV.

If you don't have time, or find it too confusing, ask us to do it for you. We'll gather your bills, do the calculations, and tell you how much you could save. For this service, we ask a one-off fee of just 20% of your projected annual saving.

2. Cut out Draughts

Especially in the old terraced houses that are common throughout Hackney, draughts are a major source of lost heat and high bills.

Installing double glazing is a long term option, but for a quick fix, install compressible foam insulating tape around door and window seals. You should select a tape thickness so it will compress to around 30% when closed, and don't use cheap tapes that peel off after a week.

For the bottom of external doors, you will probably need a rubber or brush seal, selected to suit the gap height.

The next step is to make sure all pipe penetrations to outside are properly made good and rendered weather proof.

3. Loft Insulation

Most terraced homes in Hackney are 'cold roof' designs, meaning that the loft is designed to be cold and the heat barrier is at the ceiling of the top floor.

If your loft is not properly insulated, it will seriously affect your heating bills and home comfort.

4. Control the Heating & Hot Water

If your 're turning radiators on and off when its cold, you're wasting money, and not getting the best from your boiler, even if your system is on a timer.

Depending on your usage, it may be appropriate to fit 'thermostatic radiator valves'. These automatically control the temperature in individual rooms, and linked to a properly set boiler timer, will reduce your heating bills and make your home more comfortable.

Check your boiler temperatures and pressures. It will only work at its best (and most efficient) if it is set up properly.

The same applies to hot-water settings. The temperature of water distribution around the home affects the amount of heat lost through the pipe. It should certainly not be more than 60°C. For insulated pipes, aim for 55°C.

5. Insulate Water Pipes

Are your pipes properly insulated? If you have to wait a long time for hot water after you turn on the hot tap, or if the cold water feels warm in hot water, probably not.

Cold water pipes left un-insulated will 'sweat' in a warm floor or ceiling void, and may drip onto plaster below, causing damp patches.

Un-insulated hot water pipes are less of a problem, but are losing heat and costing you money.

6. Save on Lighting

The government has plans to stop the sale of normal 'incandescent' light bulbs within the next few years. These use up to 10 times the electricity of fluorescent fittings, and their quoted life is just 1000 hours. Low-energy bulbs last around 8000 hours.

What is less well-known is that low-energy bulbs are also less susceptible to failure caused by voltage fluctuations, which can be an issue in homes with older wiring. A recent development is energy saving lamps that can be fitted to existing dimmer switches.

It's all too easy to visit the corner shop and buy a normal replacement bulb for 60p, but it really is a waste of money and time. In our experience, energy saving light bulbs need replacing about once a year, as opposed to once every three months with normal bulbs.

Stock up on energy-saving bulbs by buying them online.

If you're installing new recessed downlights or buying new pendant lights, think about compact fluorescent fittings, with electronic control gear. These give faster flicker-free on and off switching, and can be dimmed over a wider range. Ask us for advice.

Another source of early light-bulb failures is faulty contacts, caused by old push-and-twist 'bayonet' fittings. We recommend replacing all such lamp holders with Edison screw fittings, which are becoming the norm in new homes.

 

7. Switch Things off

The 'standby' button may soon be a thing of the past, with government plans to force electronics manufacturers to get rid of them.

Having your appliances on stand-by uses almost as much electricity as leaving them on. If you always forget to turn things off at the mains, why not plug them into a timer-switch.

8. Close Fireplace Dampers

This is one that's easy to forget. When you're not using it, you should think of your fireplace as an open window.

9. Fix Dripping Taps

Imagine filling the bath with hot water once a week and then pulling the plug. THis is how much water is wasted by a dripping tap.

10. Be Sensible

Turn off lights when you leave a room. Don't boil more water than you need in the kettle. Use the Eco setting on your washing machine and turn it down to 30 or 40°C. Don't tumble dry if its a dry breezy day. Don't leave your mobile and ipod charging all day (it ruins the battery and costs money).

Take a responsible view towards waste, in your home, and when you're out and about. It all adds up.