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Everyone wants to save money and make their homes more energy-efficient. Here’s ten great ways to help reduce your carbon footprint and reduce your energy bills:

1. Switch to LED lighting

LED light bulbs last three times longer than a CFL bulb and thirty times longer than halogen. So when it comes to energy saving, LED light bulbs are the way forward. They use considerably less energy than halogen or CFLs, saving you money and reducing your carbon footprint.

There is an extensive range of LED light bulbs now for every application, including downlights, kitchen lighting and standard light fittings.

2. Loft insulation

Don’t waste energy by letting valuable heat escape through the roof of your home. Heat rises, so a well insulated loft keeps the heat where it belongs – in the heart of your home. You will find more information about types of insulation on the Energy Trust’s website.

If you have downlights in your home, think about installing Aurora’s range of insulation coverable downlights. These downlights can be safely covered with insulation, preserving the ambiance of your lighting, while still preventing heat loss.

3. Double glazing

Double glazing reduces heat loss by trapping a layer of air between two panes of glass. This acts as an insulator, helping prevent heat loss. Gas filled double glazed windows make your home even more energy efficient. The argon or krypton gas gives greater insulation. This means you need less heating in winter and less air conditioning during the summer months.

4. Triple and quadruple glazing

Triple and quadruple glazing is like double glazing, but the units have more layers of glass and pockets of air or gas. These glazing units are extremely energy-efficient and are used extensively in the construction of carbon neutral homes.

5. Cavity wall insulation

Heat escapes through walls in the same way as it escapes through your roof. Cavity wall insulation reduces heat loss and makes your home much more energy efficient. This is better for the environment and your fuel bills!

6. Insulate your hot water tank

If your hot water tank isn’t insulated, you’ll be wasting energy and money. Water tank insulation jackets are low cost and energy-efficient.

7. Central heating boilers

If your central heating boiler is old, think about replacing it with a modern condensing boiler. It will save energy and reduce your fuel bills. Don’t forget to have your boiler serviced regularly and be sure to bleed your radiators to keep your central heating system as efficient as possible.

8. Fridges and freezers

Fridges and freezers use large amounts of electricity to keep them running 24 hours a day: 7 days a week. You can save energy by:

• Replacing old fridges and freezers with modern energy-efficient models.
• Making sure any food is properly cooled before refrigerating or freezing.
• Keeping your freezer full. If you don’t have enough food, fill the empty space with cardboard boxes.
• Don’t let your fridges and freezers ice up. Keeping them frost-free helps to make them more energy-efficient.

9. Kettles

Making a cup of tea or coffee? Only boil as much water as you need. You don’t need to fill your kettle to the top each time. That way, you’ll save precious water as well as reducing your energy consumption.

10. Computer equipment

Set your computer to sleep or hibernate mode when its not in use. If you’re thinking of buying a new printer, choose an energy-efficient model.

You can find out more about making your home energy efficient by visiting the Energy Saving Trust’s website. Government grants may be available to help you make your home more energy efficient. If you are in receipt of disability or income-related benefits, you may also be eligible for financial help to make your home more energy efficient. Find out if you qualify by visiting the Directgov website.

Have we missed any? Please feel free to submit your own tips for making a home a more energy efficient place.