• Studies show that windows account for approximately 30% of all heat loss in a building.

    Thermal curtains are great for keeping your home warm in the winter.

    By installing thermal curtains, they can control drafts and reduce heat loss by up to 25%, allowing you to save energy, reduce costs, and improve indoor comfort.

    They also do a great job at blocking sunlight in the Summer, keeping your home cooler, can promote better sleep and can dampen outside noise.

    For them to be effective, they must be installed properly. The more airtight they are, the better they work.

    Trusted family-owned and local business Elizabeths Fabrics have ready-made stock and offer custom made curtains. They will be able to give you more advice and show you available options

    You can e-mail them at shop@elizabethsthurso.co.uk or their phone number is 01847 896497

  • Pressure Cookers are a great investment as they save on cooking time and energy costs. They also create better tasting food and can help you reduce food waste!

    The steam trapped inside the pressure cooker builds up pressure to twice that of our normal atmosphere, so the temperature of the liquid can rise above the boiling point of water. Heat cannot escape, so the cooking temperature is maintained with minimal energy input.

    A pressure cooker saves 90 percent of the energy used to boil a pot on the hob.

    Flavour is better as it is extracted efficiently and isn’t floating away in steam. Also, the sealed pressure cooker eliminates the need for topping up the water.

    You can also leave it to cook, and not worry about it overflowing.

    According to a study conducted by the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, pressure cooking also reduces the lectin content from food. Lectin is a harmful chemical that reduces the nutritional value of food by hindering the absorption of minerals.

    The convenience and speed of the pressure cooker can help you fight food waste, too. For example, if you had a roast chicken for dinner, rather than throw the carcass in the bin, you could use it to make soup. If you pop it in the pressure cooker, then in half an hour you’ll extract everything from it you need.

    You could try Colin Chessor, Howdens, The Original Factory Shop, Fixm, or Serendipity to see if they have any.

    Remember to always follow instructions and research what foods can be cooked in them.

  • By insulating your hot water cylinder, you could save up to £85 a year on your energy bills, and reduce the carbon footprint of your home.

    An insulated tank reduces heat loss a lot more than an uninsulated tank, keeping your water hotter for longer.

    A hot water cylinder jacket cost as little as £15, and fitting it is a straightforward job if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

    It would start paying for itself within a matter of months, then begin to save you money.

    Exposed hot water pipes can also be insulated using a foam tube that covers the pipes between your hot water cylinder and boiler.

    The estimated cost is £5-£7 per metre, with prices varying depending on the size of the piping and how much you need for your central heating system.

    These minor investments are very much worthwhile when you consider how much they could help you save on your energy bills.

    Try your local DIY store W & D Ross Hardware for cylinder jackets and insulating foam tubes.