Our top tips to save energy

Heating our homes to a comfortable level is essential for maintaining our health and wellbeing, especially during those bitter Scottish winters.

Understanding your heating system, managing bills, and reducing your power usage are important, but it can be hard to know where to start and who can help. Our friendly energy advisers, Simone and Shona, are here to offer their top tips on saving energy and your wallet.

Cook smart

Switch appliances off, like your microwave and electric oven, when they’re not in use rather than leaving them on standby and you could save around £45 annually. Turn your electric oven off 10 minutes before the end of cooking time – it will hold its temperature; but make sure food still gets piping hot. Boil only the amount of water you need when making hot drinks and use a cup to measure what you need. Defrost your freezer regularly as it will run more efficiently and reduce energy use.

“The kitchen is one of the biggest culprits for wasting energy and pouring money down the drain”, Simone.

Draught-proof your home

Prevent energy loss by sealing air leaks, adding insulation, and using curtains or blinds to regulate temperature. Keep radiators clear – do not put large pieces of furniture in front of them, or hang clothes on them to dry.

Care and Repair Edinburgh, part of the Age Scotland family, are working in partnership with Home Energy Scotland to support vulnerable households make their homes more energy efficient by offering a free draught proofing service for older or disabled residents living in Edinburgh.

To arrange a free draught proofing assessment please call Care & Repair Edinburgh on 0131 337 1111 or complete the online form.

Switch off lights

Where you can, choose energy-efficient appliances and fixtures and replace all the lights in your home with LED bulbs. Most LEDs use at least 75% less energy, saving you a huge amount on your bill.

Our Warm and Well guide offers great tips on how to make your home energy efficient, manage your bills and stay warm for less. You can read our full guide here or request a paper copy by calling our helpline on 0800 12 44 222.

“Not exactly a lightbulb moment but a quick way to save money and energy is to turn your lights off when you’re not using them or when you leave a room”, Shona.

Wash wisely

Use your washing machine on a 30-degree cycle instead of higher temperatures and only run a cycle when the washing machine is full. Swapping a bath for a shower and taking shorter showers can also save a lot of energy. 

Our free online energy workshops enable older people to get a better understanding of their household energy use, supporting them to stay warm and save money on their bills. You can sign up here.

Understand your bill and entitlements

Energy bills are complicated, and it can be difficult to understand exactly what you are paying and how much energy you use. You can find more information on navigating the important parts of your bill and understanding your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) here.

"Now more than ever it is important for older people to claim all the benefits they are entitled to." 

Shona and Simone can carry out a full benefits check and help callers navigate the complex benefits system to ensure that every penny you deserve gets into your pockets.