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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Draught excluders are a cheap way of cutting out the chill from poorly fitting doors and windows. Most are also easy to fit, a simple DIY task.
Group shops are worth the effort! Whether you shop online or go to the supermarket together, buying food and other household items together can be a money-saver and a bit of a bonding experience. It can also reduce waste and saving on multiple deliveries will reduce your carbon footprint too. Afterall, how many loaves of bread do you need in you flat?
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!
If you need to use a tumble drier, make sure you use a full load and keep the lint filter clean. It will keep your machine working more efficiently saving energy while also reducing any risk of fire.
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.
Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) help ensure your heating is evenly distributed where you need it. Check them to make sure they are set properly so each area reaches the temperature you need and gets no hotter.
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.
Make the most of your oven. Filling an oven and batch cooking meals can save energy and money. If you share your home with others, planning meals and eating collectively can help build relationships whilst saving both energy and money.
Every degree you turn your home thermostat down could save you around £80 to £85 a year on your heating bill.
Remember to turn off the tap while brushing your teeth – a running tap wastes over 6 litres per minute.
