Everyone can be a green family, and make a difference to the environment, just by changing the way we use energy in our homes. This means that everyone can save money, too! Here are our top green tips on both.

Save energy and save money

The two always go hand in hand, and you don't have to make massive changes in your home to make a difference. Here are some effective ways to improve your lifestyle and improve your cash flow.

Replace your boiler

Up to 60% of the carbon emissions in your home are down to your boiler, and the older a boiler is, the less efficient it is likely to be. If your boiler is more than 10 years old it could be wasting up to a whopping 50% of the gas on your bill. Shelling out for a new one may seem expensive, but the money you save will soon make up for that. A more efficient model could save you up to £130 per year.

Insulate

A lot of heat generated in the home is lost through the walls, windows and roof. Various measures can reduce this heat loss, from simply closing your curtains at dusk, to lagging hot water pipes, to fitting cavity wall and loft insulation. A small job like draught-proofing could save you £20 per year, and a big job such as insulating your loft could save you as much as £160 per year.

Light efficiently

EU legislation has waved goodbye to conventional light bulbs which will be phased out by 2010. Wnergy-efficient bulbs will save you energy, and they also last up to eight times longer. Replacing all your normal bulbs with energy-saving light bulbs could save you up to £50 per year. As well as changing bulbs, remember to switch off lights when you’re not using them.

Goodbye to standby

Switch off electrical appliances instead of leaving them on standby, and try to use them more efficiently. For example, keep your fridge and freezer in good shape (see Green Tips: Easy Ways to Become a Greener Family), always load your washing machine fully and only fill a kettle as full as you need it. Turning off appliances instead of leaving them on standby could save you up to £37 per year.

5) Get a green tariff

A green electricity tariff promises to provide energy from renewable resources. However, the details can be confusing and the green credentials of the suppliers vary, so make sure you read the small print before you sign up. Type your postcode into www.greenelectricity.org to compare green tariffs available in your area.

Further Information

Go to the Energy Saving Trust (http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/What-can-I-do-today/Energy-saving-grants-and-offers)for more information and advice on financial grants to make your home more energy-efficient.

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