Top 10 DIY Energy Savers

10 Top DIY Energy Savers

Simple, effective energy saving projects

- you can do yourself!

1. Switch to energy saving bulbs - each costs round £2 and could save on average £3 per year on your energy bill - typically adding to savings of around £45 over the lifetime of each bulb you buy.

2. Put up a washing line outside - turning off your tumble dryer during the summer months could save you around £16 a year.

3. Start a compost heap - it reduces waste going to landfill and cuts associated greenhouse gas emissions. And your flowers and veg will flourish on free fertiliser.

4. Fit a jacket to your hot water cylinder - it could save you £40 a year and only costs around £12.

5. Set up a water butt for the garden - you could collect 100-200 litres of rainwater in a water butt. Water butts cost from around £40-£70.

6. Fill in cracks in floorboards and skirting boards - as well as stopping draughts, you'll save around £25 per year on heating. For a typical house it costs around £20.

7. Top up your loft insulation to 270mm - this will save money on your bills and reduce heat loss. It currently costs about £200, and pay for itself in around 4 years.

8. Insulate your hot water pipes - lagging for pipes costs less than £10, and you could get that back in savings every year.

9. Fit radiator panels against the back of radiators - it'll make them more effective by reflecting heat back into the room.

10. Fit secondary glazing to your windows - if you're not going for double glazing, an extra layer inside your current windows is an effective alternative. It will save money by cutting heat loss and draughts.