Page 31 - TNE WORKBOOK

Take turns to fill out the form and then have a quick chat about whether the result was in line with what you
were expecting, or if it surprised you.

If you’re not sure about how to read your energy bills, this handy site will help you out.

Step 2: Decide how you’ll cut your energy use (15 mins)

The suggested actions below both help the environment and reduce your reliance on your existing pow-
er provider. If you’re sick of dealing with electricity and gas companies, take a look at some of the energy
options in the middle-tier and challenge sections. Buying solar and batteries is cheaper than ever, and you
end up saving a lot of money over the long-term, once you recoup the upfront investment for the cost of
the panels and storage.

Each of the actions below, including the free ones, can significantly reduce the amount of energy that your
household uses. Good luck! Note that you may do some of these activities already – if so, go you!

Tier 1: Easy-peasy lemon squeezy (Beginner level)

In winter – if you have to use
the heater – set it at a low
temperature

Use blankets, hot water bottles and jumpers to stay warm
• On cold days and nights, if you have to use your heater, keep the temperature gauge at 18 degrees or
lower.

• Then, use blankets, thick socks, hot water bottles, heated throw rugs, ugg boots and jumpers to keep
yourself warm inside. This is also better for your skin, as most heating systems remove moisture from the
air, which can make your skin super dry, and dry out your mucous membranes (leading to sore throats and
worse sinusitis).

Use natural cooling, by opening and
closing your windows and curtains
at the right time to reduce the need
for air-con or the heater

• In Summer, get into the habit of opening windows at sunset, to allow the cross-flow of air to cool the
house all night, then set reminders to close all your windows, curtains and doors early next morning as it
gets hot. This manages the temperature in your house so you’re not inadvertently heating it when it’s hot.
Re-open them again at sunset.

• In Winter, on sunny days, open your curtains and blinds in the morning to let the sunshine in, which will
help to heat the house. Then set a reminder to close your curtains and blinds as soon as it starts to get
dark - this will help stop the heat built up from the daytime sun escaping through your windows and doors.

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