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  • The quickest way to pay for your garden waste permit is online. Our phone lines are extremely busy. If you encounter any issues, this may be due to the high volume of users – please try again later. − Pay here: www.southoxon.gov.uk/gardenwaste

How to reduce your home energy use and costs

Reducing energy use and making our homes more energy efficient are really important steps we can take to help tackle climate change. We have pulled together some actions you can take to save money while looking after your wellbeing and the environment this winter.

1

Daily changes you can make to save energy

  • Adjust your heating: Turn your heating down slightly (even 1 degree could save up to 10 per cent on your bills over a year).
  • Keep in your heat: Bleed your radiators. Make sure radiators aren’t covered or blocked by furniture. Close your curtains at night.
  • Know how much you’re using: Get a smart meter to keep track of your energy use and monitor which appliances use the most energy. Turn appliances off rather than leaving on standby. Don’t heat empty rooms. Turn off lights when you leave a room.
  • Make simple swaps: Consider sometimes using a microwave, slow cooker or air-fryer (if you have them), which are much cheaper to run than an oven. Wash clothes at 30 degrees, and air-dry your clothes rather than using a tumble dryer.
  • Save energy in the kitchen: Rather than filling your kettle up to the top, boil what you need and make sure dishwashers and washing machines are full before using.

The Energy Saving Trust has an online guide showing the potential cost savings you could make for each of these changes.