We found these useful tips for saving energy at home on the Green Schools website.
1. Unplug electrical equipment – computers, mobile phone chargers – equipment on standby uses up to 20% the energy it would use when fully on.
2. Switch off lights & heating when you don’t need them.
3. Don’t overfill the kettle – only boil as much water as you need.
4. Turn your heating down to a comfortable 20ºC – lowering your thermostat by 1ºC will knock 10% off your heating bill.
5. Use compact fluorescent lamps (CFL’s) instead of traditional bulbs – they use 20% the energy and last up to 15 times as long.
6. If you have a short commute, walk or cycle instead of driving.
We also found out from the Green Schools website what you get for 1 kWh. Check out the interesting information below.
How we measure electricity
Electricity is measured in units. Each unit is equivalent to 1,000 watts of electricity used for one hour – or one kilowatt-hour (kWh).
What do you get for 1 kWh?
• an instant electric shower 7 to 10 min
• an immersion water heater 15 to 20 min
• a large ring on an electric cooker 20 to 40 min
• a kettle 20 to 40 min
• a tumble dryer 20 to 40 min
• a two-slice toaster 40 to 60 min
• a washing machine 70 to 100 min
• a dishwasher 70 to 100 min
• a desktop computer & monitor 4 to 6 hours
• a 28-inch TV 6 to 9 hours
• a 100 watt standard light bulb 10 hours
• a 20 watt CFL light bulb 50 hours