EVERYONE can save money with a little bit of thought! Individually, it might not seem to make a great deal of difference but collectively, the savings by implementing the following tips can make a real difference.

In the bathroom: Reduce your shower time and slightly lower the water temperature as cooler showers use less energy. With summer just around the corner, this should be an easy fix!

Laundry: An ‘eco’ cycle on your washing machine may take longer but it uses less energy. For laundry that isn’t heavily soiled a cooler cycle (20 or 30 degrees) works well.

Hanging clothes outside to dry and air, is effective, free and they smell great, but if drying them inside, a heated clothes airer is much cheaper to run than a tumble dryer.

In the kitchen: Air fryers, microwaves and slow cookers usually use less energy than an oven or hob. Putting lids on pans whilst cooking and using the right size pan for the amount of food you are preparing will use less energy heating it.

When you boil the kettle, measure out the water you need. Boiling water in a kettle before adding to the pan will also help your food cook more quickly meaning you use less energy.

Don’t hold the door on your fridge or freezer open for extended periods of time to keep the temperature low.

Your heating: Check the temperature of the thermostat – 18-21 degrees Celsius is fine for most people.

• Check your heating times. If you have a boiler, set the temperature two or three degrees lower (or programme it to be off) when you’re out or asleep.

• Check thermostatic radiator valves. You can set each one to the lowest number that keeps the room comfortable.

• Install radiator reflectors behind radiators on external walls if your house isn’t well insulated. These are easy to install, even in rented homes and will make rooms feel warmer.

Does it seem obvious? Probably – but it’s just a question of changing simple habits. These aren’t exhaustive ideas but maybe they will get people thinking.

We have specialist teams of advisers and assessors, like our Energy Team, but many people are generalist advisers or assessors or form fillers or taking calls on our free, local Adviceline service: (0808 27 87 999).

We are always happy to welcome new volunteers to our team which is under increasing pressure to meet the demand on our services.

Demand is growing, peoples’ problems are getting increasingly complex taking a lot longer to unravel and help with so do please get in touch if you can maybe give one day a week of your time.

Full training and ongoing support is given; people can develop existing skills or learn new ones and you will certainly make new friends.

Contact [email protected] in the first instance – we look forward to hearing from you!

Rosanna Teale

CEO and Trustee Support Officer

Citizens Advice

Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon