money 3 cut your bills manxgas.com

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1 save money 3 cut your bills & Customers come first with Manx Gas... manxgas.com

2 contents section 1 Helping you use less energy and cut your bills Get comfy with gas Now you re cooking Warmth where you need it Is your boiler energy efficient? Gas Safety Carbon monoxide awareness section 2 It s easy to be energy efficient Lighten up Chill out Top cookery tips Laundry can cost less Standby to save What s watt? section 3 Small changes can make a big difference How can we help you? Smell Gas? For emergencies and leaks please call our freephone number 24 hours a day 365 days a year

3 Instant Controllable Efficient helping you use less energy and cut your bills Nobody wants to spend more money than they have to, so it s good to know that just by making a few small changes you can do your bit to help the environment and save money into the bargain. In this booklet you ll find a host of handy hints and tips that anyone can use to cut their gas, electricity or water usage it s easy. If you have questions or would like more information on any of the subjects covered in this booklet, please call our Energysave team on:

4 get comfy with gas Did you know that the average Island household wastes around 1/3 of their energy simply by not being energy aware? There are lots of ways you can reduce the amount of gas you use. By following our tips you could have a warmer, more comfortable home that s better for the environment and saves you money. Take control Did you know that turning your heating down by just 1 C could save you up to 10% on your bill? A properly controlled heating system should have: A programmer so that you can set on and off periods. Some systems switch the heating and hot water on and off at the same time, whilst others allow you to set them to come on and go off independently. A room thermostat so that you can select the room temperature, the optimum range is between 18 C and 21 C. Once the room gets to the right temperature, your heating will then automatically switch off, which saves you money. If you have a separate hot water tank you will have a cylinder thermostat to control the temperature of the water in the tank. Turn it down to 60 C and the water will still be hot enough to kill any bacteria and you ll save energy. Thermostatic Radiator Valves, which allow you to control the temperature in each room. Once the room reaches the required temperature the radiators will switch off automatically.

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7 Instant Controllable Efficient now you re cooking Did you know that most professional chefs prefer cooking with gas? Although cookers and hobs are one of the most efficient ways to cook, you can still save money by following our simple energy saving cooking tips: Always use the correct size pan, this saves gas and also stops your pans being damaged. Cut food into smaller pieces to reduce the cooking time. When cooking vegetables it s more energy efficient to boil the water in a kettle first, rather than in the pan. Only use enough water to cover the food being cooked, and turn down the heat as soon as soon as the water comes to the boil. Don t forget to put the lid on as this speeds up the cooking time. One-pot dishes such as soups, casseroles and stir fries use less gas. You don t need to pre-heat gas grills and ovens for most dishes, as they heat up much more quickly. It s useful to have an idea of how much gas the appliances in your home use so you can estimate how much energy you are using. The amount of gas used is measure in kilowatt hours (kwh) and your gas bill will show you how we calculate your charges.

8 now you re cooking appliances So what s the biggest gas-guzzler in your house? Item Duration Units used (kwh) Cooker 1 week s meals 34 (based on a family of 4) Grill (on full heat) 1 hour 4 Hob (on full) 1 hour 3.5 Hob (on low) 1 hour 0.25 Oven (Gas Mark 7) 1 hour 1.5 Oven (Gas Mark 2) 1 hour 0.1 Radiant/convector gas fire (on full) 1 hour 4 Radiant/convector gas fire (on low) 1 hour 1 Wall heater (on full) 1 hour 2 Decorative open-effect fire 1 hour 3.5 Instantaneous water heater 1 day 11

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10 warmth where you need it Did you know that fuel-effect fires are not an efficient way to heat a room often only 25% of the heat actually goes into the room? If you need some additional heat it might be a good idea to invest in some individual gas room heaters. There are two main types: Wall convector heaters: these are usually fitted to an outside wall, as they need a balanced flue to provide them with air, which helps the gas burn properly. These are a very efficient form of heater as around 70% of the heat goes into the room. Radiant convectors: these individual heaters take their air supply from the room instead of a flue. They can be up to 90% efficient, however sufficient fresh air must be brought into the room for them to operate properly

11 Instant Controllable Efficient is your boiler energy efficient Did you know that if your boiler is more than 15 years old it could be up to 35% less efficient than a new A rated condensing boiler? * There are two main types of boiler; regular boilers supply radiators and a separate storage cylinder for hot water, whilst combination or combi boilers supply your radiators and also provide instant hot water without a water tank. Condensing boilers are designed to extract and re-use more of the heat that would normally be lost up the flue, so they are much more efficient than a standard boiler. They cost around 50 more to buy but can save you money on your heating bills. For more information on our range of A rated condensing boilers or a FREE no obligation quotation to have your new boiler installed, call our Customer Service Team on: *Based on replacing a 15 year-old boiler with a new A rated condensing boiler in a house with average levels of insulation.

12 gas safety Gas is a very safe fuel when used properly, so you should always keep the instructions that come with any gas appliance, and remember to follow these simple rules: Don t use a gas appliance if you think it s not working properly. Ensure that ventilation bricks, grilles or outside flues aren t covered or blocked. Make sure that your gas appliances are serviced at least once a year by Manx Gas or a GAS SAFE registered engineer. If you smell gas, or suspect there s a leak call our Emergency Helpline immediately on: DON T call from a mobile phone, DON T smoke and DON T turn electric switches on or off. DO put out any naked flames, DO open doors and windows and keep away from the affected area and DO turn off the gas at the control valve. To work legally on the Isle of Man, all gas installers must be registered by GAS SAFE. We are the Island s leading GAS SAFE gas installer and will even carry out an installation for you if you have purchased a product from another supplier. Please remember to get your gas boiler and other appliances checked and serviced regularly by a GAS SAFE registered engineer. To book a service or appliance check, please call: Smell Gas? For emergencies and leaks please call our freephone number 24 hours a day 365 days a year

13 Instant Controllable Efficient Whilst new gas appliances are extremely reliable and usually covered by a 12-month guarantee, it s handy to have an extended warranty for added reassurance. For just a few pence a day we can cover your heating and hot water system, cooker or gas fire. For more details please call our Service Care team on:

14 carbon monoxide awareness Carbon Monoxide Awareness: Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas, which is produced by incomplete burning of gas and liquid petroleum, which happens when an appliance has been fitted incorrectly, badly maintained or repaired. You can t see it, smell it or taste it, but it can cause serious health problems and even death if breathed in over a long period. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu, so if you experience any of the symptoms listed below but feel better once you are away from the appliance you may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning and should contact your GP: Headache Dizziness Nausea Breathlessness Dry throat Vomiting So how can you tell if you have carbon monoxide in your home? Well, there are a few warning signs you need to look out for: The flame on your cooker should be blue; a lazy yellow or orange flame may mean your cooker needs to be checked. There is soot or yellow/brown staining around or on appliances. Increased levels of condensation in the room where the appliance is installed. Pilot lights frequently blow out. Fumes or smoke in the house. Solid fuel fires burn more slowly than usual.

15 Instant Controllable Efficient Protect yourself You can be more at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning when you are asleep as you won t be aware of the symptoms, so an audible carbon monoxide detector could wake you up and save your life. Carbon monoxide alarms are available from our showroom on South Quay, or at most hardware or DIY stores. You should make sure that you buy a carbon monoxide detector that complies with British Standard EN and carries a British or European approval kitemark. Please make sure that the alarm is installed and maintained in-line with the manufacturer s instructions. A carbon monoxide monitor is not a substitute for proper installation or maintenance of gas appliances. You should always make sure that a Manx Gas engineer regularly maintains your appliances. What to do if carbon monoxide is in your home Switch off the faulty appliance and do not use it again until it has been inspected or repaired by a Manx Gas or other GAS SAFE registered engineer. Switch off the gas supply by the control valve if you know where it is. Open all doors and windows to ventilate the room. Call the Gas Emergency Helpline on Call or visit your GP immediately and advise him/her that you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide.

16 it s easy to be energy efficient What uses the most energy in your home? Before you can start saving energy, you need to understand where it s being used. The diagram below should help you work out which appliances use the most energy in your home. Lighting 20% Electronics 20% Fridges and freezers 17% Cooking 16% Laundry and dishwasher 15% Miscellaneous 12% We ve also put together this table, which shows the annual running costs for some of the most popular home appliances.

17 Instant Controllable Efficient Annual running costs for home appliances Appliance Annual cost Annual cost for high use for low use Hob electric Oven - electric Kettle Microwave 8 5 Fridge-freezer Dishwasher Washing machine Tumble drier Lighting TV Computer Central heating controls Central heating pumps 12 5

18 Look for the label Before you buy any new appliance, it s a good idea to check it s energy efficiency rating as it can vary quite a bit from appliance to appliance. Some new appliances now come with special energy labels, which show their efficiency rating on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and some super-efficient appliances have an A+ or A++ rating. Appliances rated A and above cost the least to run and are much better for the environment. For example, if you replaced a fridge-freezer bought in 1995 with a new Energy Recommended one, you could save 45 a year on the amount of electricity you use. Look out for the Energy Saving Recommended logo as these are given to the most energy efficient appliances. Visit for more information. At the moment, manufacturers only have to put energy labels on the following appliance Fridges Freezers Fridge-freezers Dishwashers Washing machines Electric tumble driers Electric ovens

19 Instant Controllable Efficient Light bulbs Air conditioners For other appliances you can check on the manufacturers website, or look in the brochure to find out how much energy they use.

20 lighten up Did you know that just one low energy bulb could save you up to 7 a year? In most homes, lighting accounts for around 20% - 25% of the total electricity bill, so you can save a considerable amount of money each year, simply by replacing ordinary bulbs with energy saving light bulbs. Whilst they are slightly more expensive than traditional bulbs, they do last up to 10 times longer so for every bulb you replace, you could save up to 7 each year or around 60 over the bulb s lifetime and they also come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colours so they are pretty stylish too. Energy saving bulbs use 25% less energy than traditional light bulbs but give out the same amount of light, so they can really help to reduce your bills. Just look at how they compare with ordinary bulbs. Ordinary bulbs 40W 60W 100W 150W Equivalent low energy bulbs 7 10W 15 18W 20 25W 32W

21 Instant Controllable Efficient You can also reduce your lighting bill by following these simple tips: Fit low wattage bulbs wherever possible. Turn off lights you don t need, but leave enough lighting for hallways and stairs. Fluorescent tubes are the best choice for kitchens as they give out most light. Spotlights can be more expensive to run than other lighting so try not to leave them on for a long time. Keep bulbs clean, they give out less light when they are dirty. Darker lampshades reduce the amount of light given out, so choose lighter ones. Fit automatic sensors and timers to outside lights.

22 chill out We ve put together this list of helpful tips to help you get the most from your fridge or freezer. When buying a new fridge or freezer, remember to check the energy label. An A, A+ or A++ rated appliance will cost much less to run. Don t position your fridge or freezer in direct sunlight or next to your cooker. Make sure that air can circulate around the back of your fridge or freezer. Defrost your fridge or freezer on a regular basis. As a general guide, ice should never be more than 6mm thick around the icebox. Let hot food cool thoroughly before you put it in your fridge or freezer. Don t leave the fridge door open for longer than you need to. Chest freezers are more efficient than upright freezers as cool air drops out of an upright freezer when you open the door. Use a thermometer to check that the thermostat on your fridge or freezer is set to the correct temperature. If it s too low, food won t keep as well and the appliance will use more energy. (According to Food Hygiene Regulations, the temperature in your fridge should be no more than 5 C).

23 Instant Controllable Efficient The star-rating system for freezers tells you what can freeze and for how long Star rating Freezer temperature Food storage **** -18 C or colder Can freeze fresh food and store for 3 to 12 mths *** -18 C Stores pre-frozen food for 3-12 mths ** -12 C Stores pre-frozen food for up to one month * -6 C Stores pre-frozen food for up to one month

24 top cookerytips Did you know that even chopping your food smaller before cooking it can help you save energy? Make toast in a toaster, not under the grill. Only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need, but make sure you cover the element. Use the right sized pan for the cooking ring. Use pans that you can divide into sections so that you can cook more than one item at a time. When cooking vegetables only use enough water to cover the food, put the lid on and simmer rather than boil. Cook large batches of food at the same time and freeze any food that you don t need that day. Take any shelves you aren t using out of the oven. Microwaves are quick and very economical to use, so remember to use them for cooking fresh food, not just defrosting and reheating e.g. a jacket potato will take 5 10 minutes to cook in a microwave compared with an hour in the oven.

25 Instant Controllable laundry can cost less Efficient Did you know if you wash clothes at 30 C every third wash is free? Use the economy washing programme for small loads or those that aren t very dirty. Always try to put a full load in your washing machine or tumble drier. Front loading washing machines are usually more efficient than top loading models. Modern washing machines and detergents work just as well at lower temperatures. Washing at 30 C instead of a higher temperature can use 40% less electricity. When the weather is good, dry your clothes outside. Before you tumble dry your clothes, make sure you spin them first as they will dry more quickly. Try not to dry your clothes for too long, or on a very high heat, as it will take longer to iron them. When ironing, start with clothes that need a cooler temperature and finish with those that need a hotter setting as this will save time and energy. If you re buying a new washing machine or tumble dryer look for the Energy Saving Recommended logo. Machines bearing this logo cost less to run and could save you up to 8 a year on your electricity bill.

26 stand by to save Did you know that by switching off appliances at the wall, you could save 6% on your energy bill? Our homes are filled with appliances that are using energy all the time; your TV, DVD player and hi-fi all use energy even when they aren t in use and in some households this can be equivalent to leaving a 100W light bulb on for a whole year. Generally speaking, the only appliances you need to leave on all the time are: Standby reduction devices. Remote garage door openers. Gas and oil boilers and heating controls. Home security systems and sensor lights.

27 Instant Controllable Efficient Everything else, such as your TV, can be switched off at the wall but to reduce your energy bills further you should change to models with lower consumption and switch them off at the wall when you re not using them or invest in a standby reduction device. This is a special adaptor, into which you plug your TV or DVD player, and when it s switched to standby it automatically turns off all the other devices. Standby reduction devices are available at our showrooms on South Quay. The power switch on many new appliances does not completely switch off all the power, so to be sure you need to switch it off at the wall, or unplug the device. Appliances that use power continuously but can be switched off include: Battery and phone chargers Bread makers Coffee makers Computers DVD players/recorders Games consoles Hand-held vacuum cleaners Microwaves (if the clock isn t needed) Plug-in air fresheners Rechargeable toothbrushes TVs VCRs

28 what s watt All modern household appliances are rated in watts or kilowatts, which tells you how much energy an appliance will use over a certain amount of time. The higher the rating of appliance, the more energy it will use, so for example, a 100-watt light bulb will use one unit of electricity every 10 hours. If you are keen to reduce your energy consumption and your bills, it is worth getting to know the rating of your appliances so that you understand which use the most energy and cost the most to run. The science behind your bills Electricity is measured in watts (W). Your electricity consumption is measured in kilowatt-hours. 1,000 watts = 1 kilowatt (kw). 1 kilowatt hour (kwh) = 1,000W or 1 unit. The amount of units you use are added up to calculate your bill.

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30 small changes can make a big difference You don t have to go to extremes to reduce the amount of energy you use and save money on your bills, there are lots of little things we can all do that can make a big difference so it s worth starting with some low-cost measures first. Keep heat at home Most of the money we spend on energy goes on heating our homes, so when you think that up to 25% heat can be lost through the roof and 35% through the walls, it pays to insulate them well. It s relatively simple to deal with the annoying little draughts by fitting devices like keyhole and letterbox covers or using draught strips for windows and doors. You can also use silicon sealer to fill gaps around any poorly fitting window frames and gaps between skirting boards or window frames. If you re not using a chimney you should seal it up and fit a grille. This will reduce the heat lost up the chimney but will still provide ventilation as this prevents condensation build-up and will make sure that fuel-burning heaters operate safely and efficiently.

31 Instant Controllable Efficient If your home was built after 1930, it s highly likely that your external walls have a cavity, which can be filled with a special insulation material to prevent heat from leaking out. If you live in an older property with solid walls it will be more difficult to insulate and you will need to seek advice from a specialist installer. When carried out by a professional, the installation of cavity wall and loft insulation is usually pretty straightforward, however if you re a keen DIY enthusiast you might want to install your own loft insulation and don t forget that hot and cold water pipes in the loft must be lagged to stop them freezing in the winter! Home improvement grants are available from the Isle of Man Government to help you pay for the cost of insulating your home please visit for full details. So what will it cost to insulate your home and how much could you save? Improvement Savings per year Payback (years) Draught proofing 20 2 years Loft insulation (10 /270mm) year Loft insulation top-up years Cavity wall insulation years Note: figures are indicative only and will vary based upon the size of your house source:

32 Other energy saving tips Unless you re planning to change your windows anyway, it s not cost effective to install double-glazing just to save energy, but secondary-glazing panels can be a good alternative. These can either be left in place or removed and stored during the summer months. Did you know that if you run a power shower for more than 5 minutes, you are using more water than it takes to fill a bath? You can still enjoy your power shower but reduce the amount of water you use by fitting a low flow showerhead. This mixes air with the water to give the same invigorating feeling, but cuts water consumption by up to 70%. Gas and oil central heating systems can actually account for over 10% of a home s electricity consumption. If you have an old system the circulating pump may be in use, even when your house is comfortably warm, which wastes a lot of energy. By changing your pump for an A rated model you could save up to 100kWh per year. A central heating engineer can advise you if your pump operation can be improved.

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34 how else can we helpyou? If you re already a Manx Gas customer we d like to thank you for staying with us, and hope that you found this booklet helpful. If you aren t a Manx Gas customer we d love you to join us. Please call us on or visit our website to find out more about our products and services. We provide special help and advice and information for customers who are over 60, have a disability, or are chronically sick. Phone us today on We also offer full protection for your gas boiler and central heating systems, with annual safety and maintenance inspections carried out by GAS SAFE registered engineers. Emergency protection 24 hours, 365 days. To find out more about Service Care, please call For gas sales and general enquiries please either visit our gas showroom on South Quay in Douglas, or call us on

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36 Customers come first with Manx Gas......call into our showroom for more details: Murdoch House South Quay Douglas or contact us today on manxgas.com