Energy advice

Save Money, Save Energy, Save the Environment

Raven is committed to reducing the environmental impacts of not just our residents, but the organisation too. Energy efficiency is key to reducing domestic fuel bills, lowering fuel consumption, and helping to protect our environment.

In the last few years Raven have worked on a variety of innovative projects helped to reduce energy use and save residents money, including an extensive insulation programme, retrofitting properties with energy saving devices, and building the UK's first Code Level 5 homes in South Nutfield. Take a look at more Raven Eco Projects.

Here are some top tips to help you save money on your gas and electric bills;

1. Adjust your heating

Turning down the thermostat by just one degree can save 10% of your annual fuel bill. Make sure you turn down (or off) radiators in rooms that are not being used and set the timer on your heating controls.

Smith & Byford will be able to give you energy saving advice on your heating when they conduct the annual service on your boiler. For heating advice, contact Smith & Byford on 0800 389 0867.

2. Change suppliers

By switching energy suppliers you can save up to £450 a year. Contact Energy Helpline on 0800 074 0745 to see how quick and easy it is to start saving!

3. Turn it off!

By turning off appliances such as televisions, radios and DVD players that are on standby, you can save up to £30 a year!

4. Full loads

Make sure that you only use the washing machine (and dishwasher if you have one) when it is full. This will save energy and by using the lower temperature setting on your machines you can save up to £10 a year.

5. Bright idea

By using low energy light bulbs, you could save £7 per bulb per year, and they last up to 10 times longer! An average house can save up to £40 a year. Turning off lights when you leave a room reduces energy and can save up to £10 a year.

6. Drying clothes

Dry your clothes outside on a washing line instead of using a tumble dryer and save up to £16 a year. It will also help to reduce mould and condensation in your property.

7. Change your appliances

If you are thinking of changing your washing machine, dishwasher, fridge or freezer, make sure you go for an ‘A-rated’ appliance. A-rated fridge/freezers use up to 60% less energy than old appliances. An A-rated washing machine can use 30% less. This could save around £30-40 a year.   

8. Showers!

Using the shower instead of the bath not only saves around 50 litres of water each time, but saves you the energy it takes to heat the extra 50 litres! You can save up to £42 a year!

9. Tea time

Remember to only fill the kettle with as much water as you need. British people waste £91m in electricity when boiling kettles with too much water in them. You can save up to £10 a year.

10. Watch what you use

Using an energy monitor that attaches wirelessly to the electrical intake, shows you exactly how much energy you are using, and what it costs. These handy monitors are available to buy on the internet and in high streets shops, or you can loan one from Raven or your local library!

Read more about saving money and energy.