Make the most of your kettle

Here is an interesting idea for you to consider - make the most out of your kettle.

So let's assume that you are already energy smart and only put as much water in the kettle as you need - that's the first thing to focus on if you don't do this already - you are therefore only using the energy you need to make your cup of tea or coffee.

BUT, think about going the extra step. Fill the kettle AFTER you've used it, ready for the next time, that way you are getting all the benefit of the heat in the element as it cools down, which will raise the temperature of the water you've just put in to the kettle. Say you have a cup of tea with your breakfast, then another one around 11 o'clock, by doing this you will certainly have water in the kettle that is warmer than fresh drawn from the tap - which means you will use even less energy the next time you make your cup of tea.

OK, we are only talking very small amounts, but every little helps.

As a practicing energy assessor, I primarily focus on the efficiency of buildings, but a little bit of thought means that we can all make savings along the way by changing our habits, as well as maximising the efficiencies in our home.