Home Energy Saving Tips - 9 Simple And Effective Ways To Save Energy And Money
In the UK, around 30% of all carbon dioxide emissions released into the atmosphere come from the energy used in our homes.
With fuel prices increasing and a growing trend towards environmentally friendly choices, these tips will help save money, protect the environment and keep you warm and safe this winter.
1.
INSULATE Insulating your loft is a simple, cost effective way to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
The recommended depth is 300mm, so check yours and top up if necessary.
Full loft insulation could save around 20% of your heating costs and will pay for itself in 2 - 3 years.
Cavity wall insulation can save up to 35% on fuel bills and should be done by a reputable company.
It generally takes less than a day to do, causes minimal disruption and will pay for itself in about 4 years.
2.
DRAUGHT EXCLUDERS Check your home for gaps around the doors, windows, skirting boards, floorboards, unused chimneys, cat flaps and letter boxes.
15% of your heating may be lost in this way.
Draught proofing is a cheap, DIY job that will pay for itself in 3-4 years.
3.
BOILERS One of the biggest contributors to high fuel bills is an inefficient boiler.
If yours is over 15 years old, it might be more environmentally sound and economical, for you to replace it.
The most efficient type are condensing boilers which use 30-40% less fuel.
Have boilers serviced annually to ensure they run efficiently.
Use an approved member of either CORGI, for gas appliances, or OFTEC, for oil fired appliances for any servicing, repair or installation.
4.
PROGRAMMABLE TIMERS Heating your home and water only when you need them will save around £50 annually.
Get your system to work for you by investing in a programmable timer.
Turn the heating off an hour before bedtime and don't leave the heating on all day if you are out at work.
5.
RADIATORS Individual radiator thermostats control the radiator according to the room temperature.
This gives more flexibility for having the heat where you want it.
If your radiators are against outside walls, put a layer of foil behind them to reflect heat back into the room.
A small shelf placed over radiators will reflect some heat back down into the room.
6.
DOUBLE GLAZING Double glazing is a more expensive investment, but will significantly increase the energy efficiency of your home.
A cheaper alternative from DIY shops, is secondary glazing which will reduce heat loss and draughts.
A low cost temporary alternative is to tape polythene across your existing windows.
This is not the perfect solution, as windows cannot be opened, and the polythene has to be disposed of once used.
However, for a short period of time in a very cold room this can be a solution.
7.
CURTAINS Heavy curtains, lined with blankets or ready insulated, will help prevent cold air coming into the room.
Close them at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.
Pull them back during the day to take advantage of solar warmth.
Make sure curtains are not hanging in front of radiators as they will absorb heat and prevent it coming into the room.
8.
WATER Reduce your hot water to 60 degrees and save around £10 a year.
Putting extra insulation around the hot water cylinder and pipes has minimal outlay and will pay for itself in just 1-2 years.
Only boil as much water as you need in the kettle.
People in receipt of certain benefits can obtain grants to help with insulation, draught proofing and heating.
Check http://www.
warmfront.
co.
uk/ to see if you are eligible.
With fuel prices increasing and a growing trend towards environmentally friendly choices, these tips will help save money, protect the environment and keep you warm and safe this winter.
1.
INSULATE Insulating your loft is a simple, cost effective way to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
The recommended depth is 300mm, so check yours and top up if necessary.
Full loft insulation could save around 20% of your heating costs and will pay for itself in 2 - 3 years.
Cavity wall insulation can save up to 35% on fuel bills and should be done by a reputable company.
It generally takes less than a day to do, causes minimal disruption and will pay for itself in about 4 years.
2.
DRAUGHT EXCLUDERS Check your home for gaps around the doors, windows, skirting boards, floorboards, unused chimneys, cat flaps and letter boxes.
15% of your heating may be lost in this way.
Draught proofing is a cheap, DIY job that will pay for itself in 3-4 years.
3.
BOILERS One of the biggest contributors to high fuel bills is an inefficient boiler.
If yours is over 15 years old, it might be more environmentally sound and economical, for you to replace it.
The most efficient type are condensing boilers which use 30-40% less fuel.
Have boilers serviced annually to ensure they run efficiently.
Use an approved member of either CORGI, for gas appliances, or OFTEC, for oil fired appliances for any servicing, repair or installation.
4.
PROGRAMMABLE TIMERS Heating your home and water only when you need them will save around £50 annually.
Get your system to work for you by investing in a programmable timer.
Turn the heating off an hour before bedtime and don't leave the heating on all day if you are out at work.
5.
RADIATORS Individual radiator thermostats control the radiator according to the room temperature.
This gives more flexibility for having the heat where you want it.
If your radiators are against outside walls, put a layer of foil behind them to reflect heat back into the room.
A small shelf placed over radiators will reflect some heat back down into the room.
6.
DOUBLE GLAZING Double glazing is a more expensive investment, but will significantly increase the energy efficiency of your home.
A cheaper alternative from DIY shops, is secondary glazing which will reduce heat loss and draughts.
A low cost temporary alternative is to tape polythene across your existing windows.
This is not the perfect solution, as windows cannot be opened, and the polythene has to be disposed of once used.
However, for a short period of time in a very cold room this can be a solution.
7.
CURTAINS Heavy curtains, lined with blankets or ready insulated, will help prevent cold air coming into the room.
Close them at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.
Pull them back during the day to take advantage of solar warmth.
Make sure curtains are not hanging in front of radiators as they will absorb heat and prevent it coming into the room.
8.
WATER Reduce your hot water to 60 degrees and save around £10 a year.
Putting extra insulation around the hot water cylinder and pipes has minimal outlay and will pay for itself in just 1-2 years.
Only boil as much water as you need in the kettle.
People in receipt of certain benefits can obtain grants to help with insulation, draught proofing and heating.
Check http://www.
warmfront.
co.
uk/ to see if you are eligible.
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