Hints & Tips at UniversityWe all want to do our bit. Safety, sustainability and energy efficiency are important to us all. Sometimes it’s the little things that can make a big difference, particularly when we act collectively. Here are some top tips to help students at university or college. |
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Properly used, dishwashers use less water and energy than washing dishes by hand. However, make sure you only wash full loads and don’t pre-rinse everything in the sink first unless it really needs it.
When did you last test your smoke alarm? Make sure it will work when you need it by testing it weekly. #TestItTuesday
Make sure your radiators are clear so they can heat the space efficiently. Curtains or furniture can easily block them.
Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Every year in the UK it kills around 50 people and sends 4000 to A&E for emergency treatment. Make sure you get all your combustion appliances properly serviced and fit an alarm. Good quality alarms are available from most DIY suppliers and take minutes to fit. It could save your life!
Check the programmer on your heating and hot water to make sure the timings match your needs. If you don’t have a seven-day programmer fitted consider getting one.
If your charger has an LED to show it’s in use, it is still using energy until you switch it off at the wall or unplug it.
Boiling food on the hob? Only use the water you need to save energy.
Wash fruit and vegetables in a bowl, not under a running tap, to cut water use. Use the leftover water for your houseplants or patio pots.
Thermal or heavy blinds and curtains can help trap heat and reduce draughts. Close them at night to reduce heating bills.
Spending one minute less in the shower each day will save up to £8 a year off your energy bills, per person. With a water meter this could save a further £11 off annual water and sewerage bills. If everyone in a four-person household did this it would lead to a total saving of £75 a year.
