Easy actions

It's simpler than you might think to start saving energy and money.

In fact, even small changes can make a big difference and many cost nothing to put into practice. Here are just a few simple, cost-free steps you can take right away to help lower your energy bills and help the environment.

* Please refer to our terms and conditions page

Heating and lighting your home

Small changes that won’t compromise your comfort.

Always switch lights off when you leave an empty room
To keep heat in, close all windows and curtains at night. Avoid putting curtains over radiators as this directs heat out of your windows
Turn your heating down by just 1°C and you could cut your heating bills by 10% and save around £50 per year
Switch to paperless billing – you'll save paper and you'll save the energy it takes to create paper too. Paperless billing's quick and easy so you'll save time and hassle – plus we’ll give you a £10 M&S voucher*
Turn the thermostat for your hot water down to 60ºC, a comfortable temperature for most people, which will save on your heating costs

Efficient water measures

Help to reduce the volume of water we waste.

A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and water, enough to fill half a bath in a week – so make sure you turn your tap off properly or fix any leaks
Have a shower instead of a bath. It saves time, money and uses two-thirds less water

Using appliances in your home efficiently

Simple changes in the way you use your appliances.

Don’t leave TVs, DVDs or Hi-Fi's on standby mode – it still uses 90% of the energy required to run them. Switch them off at the plug, or better still unplug them
Switch off your PC monitor. Leaving it on all night, even on standby, wastes enough energy to microwave 6 meals
Chargers use energy even when they’ve finished charging your mobile, shaver or toothbrush so switch them off when complete

Your kitchen

Easy tips to become more energy efficient in your kitchen.

Put lids on pots to keep heat in and your food will cook faster. Only use enough water to cover the food and make sure you use the right size pan to cover the cooking ring
Where possible, cook in a microwave as it’s quicker and uses less energy. Toast bread in a toaster – it’s cheaper than using the grill
Only boil as much water as you need for hot drinks. Boiling a full kettle uses as much energy as 270 energy saving light bulbs. Also, make sure the kettle element is clean and free of limescale as this significantly reduces the kettle’s efficiency
Turn your microwave off at the plug when not in use – powering the clock can use more power than heating the food
Did you know it’s more energy-efficient to use your dishwasher than to wash dishes by hand? Just make sure you only use it when you have a full load, use the economy setting and avoid opening the door when it’s on as it lets heat escape
Defrost your fridge frequently and check the door seals. Avoid putting your fridge or freezer next to your oven or boiler. If possible, keep the freezer in a cold room or a garage
Don’t leave the fridge door open and avoid putting hot or warm food straight into the fridge as this increases the energy required to keep the contents cold

Your laundry

Fresh and efficient ideas.

Only use the washing machine when you have a full load to wash
Washing clothes at 30°C uses 40% less energy*– so you could get every third wash for free. Modern detergents work well at low temperatures and M&S stock detergent that can be used for washes as low as 15°C
Hang your washing on the clothes line instead of using a tumble dryer, or if the weather’s bad use a clothes horse or an overhead dryer

Now you can move on to step three

Low cost measures

Easy actions

Heating and lighting your home

Efficient water measures

Using appliances in your home efficiently

Your kitchen

Your laundry

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