How to get the bestfrom... AppliancesTry these helpful tips in your home to reduce the amount of energy you use and save on your bills.

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• Households add around £40 to their annual bill by leaving appliances on standby.• As a simple rule, if a charger is getting hot it is wasting energy, so switch it off!• Even items such as mobile phone charging and broadband routers continue to use electricity when not in use, but are plugged in.

• One full load of washing uses less energy than two half loads.• Set your machine to 30̊C or 40̊C instead of 60̊C and could use up to a third less electricity.

When you buy new appliances choose products that have a good energy rating. For example an A++ rated fridge freezer could cost £30 less a year to run compared to a C rated one, or £70 less compared to a G rated one!

• Regularly defrost your fridge and freezer to keep them running efficiently.• Use a refrigerator thermometer to make sure your fridge is at the right temperature and not using too much energy.

• A light-emitting diode uses 90% less energy than a traditional lightbulb, making them the most energy-efficient type of lighting.• An LED annual running cost is as little a £1.71, with a lifetime saving of £180 compared to a traditional lightbulb.• Switch lights off as you leave an empty room and you could save up to £20 a year.