Small changes to the way you use electricity can make a big difference. By following our simple power saving tips you’ll reduce the size of your electricity bill.

Thermostat: Turn down your thermostat by one degree and you could save €50 a year on your heating bill, and you won’t notice.

Lighting: Lights consume around 10% of a households energy. Make sure that you turn off your lights when you’re not using them.

Oven: Every time you open the door of a heated oven to check on your cooking you’ll lose 20% of the accumulated heat. So only do so when you have to. Heating an oven consumes a large amount of electricity so use it sparingly and where possible use it for more than just one item.

TV: A TV left in standby mode can use as much as half the electricity as when it is switched on. So make sure to switch off your TV when you’re not using it. A larger television will consume more energy, regardless of energy rating. For example, an A-rated 22″ LCD TV would typically cost €5 a year to run but an A-rated 60″ TV would cost €36.

Kettle: Only boil the amount of water that you need rather than filling the kettle up every time you boil the kettle (make sure to cover the element though).

Curtains: Close your curtains at night to keep the heat in. Don’t drape the curtains over the radiators – they will block the heat.

Washing Machine: Run your washing machine on full loads – and use half load or economy programmes if you have them. Around 90% of the energy used by a washing machine is for heating the water. By using a full load you’ll make the most of the water you heat.

Fridges and Freezers: Defrost fridges and freezers regularly to improve their efficiency. And don’t put hot food in the fridge—let it cool down first. Avoid leaving fridge doors open. Each minute the door is open takes three minutes of energy to cool down again

Shower: Take a shower — it’s cheaper than a bath. An ordinary shower uses around two-fifths of the water needed for a bath. However Power showers can use as much as a bath, and sometimes even more.

Insulation: Insulate cavity walls and top up your loft insulation to 300mm to help keep the heat in your house for longer!

Boiler: Service your boiler once a year to keep it running efficiently. Make sure to fit an Insulating Jacket – it only costs a few pounds and pays for itself in a short period of time. Fit one that’s at least 75mm (3″) thick and you could save €15-€20 a year.

Lighting: Energy saving light bulbs can use up to 80% less electricity (saving €6-€12 per year). There are two main types of energy efficient light bulbs available – Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). Although they can be more expensive to buy initially they can last up to 12 times longer.

Radiator panels: these are moulded plastic panels that help reflect heat from your radiator. They come pre taped – you just slide them behind your radiator and attach them to the wall. You can save up to 10% on your annual heating bill by using them.

Heating controls: Whatever the age of your boiler, the right controls will let you set your heating and hot water to come on and off when you want, to decide which rooms to heat and to the desired temperature. By installing a room thermostat, programmer and thermostatic radiator valves, you could save up to €90 to €175 a year.

Draught excluder: Unless your home is very new, you’re likely to be losing heat around doors and windows, gaps around the floor, or through the chimney. DIY draught-proofing of windows, doors and blocking cracks in floors and skirting boards can cost around £200, but can save between €30 to €40 a year.

Turn down your thermostat by one degree and you could save £45 a year on your heating bill, and you won’t notice.

Make sure that you turn off your lights, appliances and chargers when you’re not using them.

Close your curtains at night to keep the heat in.

Don’t drape the curtains over radiators as this will send the heat out through the windows.

Only boil the amount of water that you need rather than filling the kettle up every time you boil the kettle (make sure to cover the element though).

Run your washing machine on full loads – and use half load or economy programmes if you have them.

Use low energy programmes on dishwashers

Don’t put hot food in the fridge—let it cool down first.

Defrost fridges and freezers regularly to improve their efficiency

Take a shower — it’s cheaper than a bath

Turn down your thermostat by one degree and you could save £45 a year on your heating bill, and you won’t notice.

Make sure that you turn off your lights, appliances and chargers when you’re not using them.

Close your curtains at night to keep the heat in.

Don’t drape the curtains over radiators as this will send the heat out through the windows.

Only boil the amount of water that you need rather than filling the kettle up every time you boil the kettle (make sure to cover the element though).

Run your washing machine on full loads – and use half load or economy programmes if you have them.

Use low energy programmes on dishwashers

Don’t put hot food in the fridge—let it cool down first.

Defrost fridges and freezers regularly to improve their efficiency

Take a shower — it’s cheaper than a bath

Turn down your thermostat by one degree and you could save £45 a year on your heating bill, and you won’t notice.

Make sure that you turn off your lights, appliances and chargers when you’re not using them.

Close your curtains at night to keep the heat in.

Don’t drape the curtains over radiators as this will send the heat out through the windows.

Only boil the amount of water that you need rather than filling the kettle up every time you boil the kettle (make sure to cover the element though).

Run your washing machine on full loads – and use half load or economy programmes if you have them.

Use low energy programmes on dishwashers

Don’t put hot food in the fridge—let it cool down first.

Defrost fridges and freezers regularly to improve their efficiency

Take a shower — it’s cheaper than a bath