Simple Ways to Save Energy at Home with PSSES

You don’t need major home renovations to cut your energy use or reduce bills. Small, everyday changes can make a real difference — especially when lots of little steps add up. That’s where the Pembrokeshire Sustainable Energy & Skills (PSSES) team come in.

PSSES is a friendly group of local energy experts, including advisors and community specialists, who support households across North Pembrokeshire. They provide practical guidance on saving energy, lowering bills, and making homes more comfortable — without spending a fortune. From draught-proofing to smarter heating habits, their advice is designed to be simple, achievable, and effective.

Keep the Heat Where It Belongs

One of the easiest ways to save energy is to stop it from escaping from your home. PSSES recommend:

• Draught-proofing windows and doors to keep warm air inside.

• Blocking unused chimneys with a chimney balloon or draught excluder.

• Sealing gaps around floors, loft hatches, pipework, and cracks in walls.

• Moving furniture away from radiators so heat circulates properly.

• Closing curtains at night to reduce heat loss through windows.

  
  

Use Heating and Hot Water More Efficiently

Heating accounts for the largest part of most household energy bills, so small adjustments can make a real difference:

• Fit a hot water cylinder jacket if you have a tank.

• Turn down your boiler flow temperature; it can save gas without affecting comfort.

• Lower your room thermostat by just 1°C to cut heating costs noticeably.

• Use timer settings so your heating only runs when you need it.

  
  

Cut Electricity Waste

PSSES stress that electricity savings are just as important:

• Switch to energy-saving light bulbs.

• Turn off lights when rooms are empty.

• Fully switch off appliances instead of leaving them on standby.

• Keep fridge and freezer grills clean so they run efficiently.

  
  

Make Small Changes in Daily Habits

Everyday routines add up, and PSSES offer simple tips:

• Wash clothes at 30°C instead of 40°C.

• Hang washing outside to dry when possible.

• Use slow cookers, which consume much less energy than ovens.

• Only boil the water you need — don’t overfill the kettle.

  
  

Get Smarter with Energy

Finally, PSSES encourage households to understand how they use energy:

• Ask your energy supplier for a smart meter to see exactly when and where energy is being used.

  
  

None of these changes need to happen all at once. Even adopting a few tips can cut bills, reduce carbon emissions, and make your home more comfortable. With guidance from PSSES, small steps really can add up to a big impact for both your household and the environment.