As natural gas reserves reduce, the price of gas and electricity is now rising higher every year and there are no signs of this trend stopping.
Now is the ideal time for homeowners to explore options available to them that will reduce your energy requirements.
Becoming more fuel efficient will reduce your energy usage and directly reduce your monthly heating costs.
Not only will this help in terms of savings, it will also reduce the impact our heating bills have on the environment.
Our hand guide Home Energy Saving Tips below provides insight into the different ways and techniques you can reduce your energy usage.
- Cavity Wall Insulation Many houses built after 1920 will have been built with a gap between two external walls. This gap does nothing to prevent loss of heat from a property and may contribute to problems with condensation. Having cavity wall insulation fitted will effectively fill the gap, dramatically reducing the amount of heat that escapes. Not only will this make heating a home cheaper and more efficient, it will reduce energy waste which is detrimental to the environment. When looking to have this type of insulation fitted it is essential that the homeowner contacts a registered installer and obtains several quotes to ensure that a fair price is charged. While there is a cost to have insulation fitted it is estimated by the Energy Saving Trust that as much as £135 a year may be saved in energy costs. This equates to a reduction in the household carbon footprint of approximately 550kg per year.
- Loft Insulation Loft insulation, as with cavity wall insulation will dramatically reduce the amount of heat that escapes from the home and is in effect wasted. Having insulation properly fitted may save a homeowner approximately £175 per year on their energy bills. There are many grants available for those wishing to properly insulate their home in order to save money and reduce their carbon footprint. Those meeting the required criteria could save money or even receive free insulation. Which? magazine have an online guide which details the type of insulations available and give additional up to date information on grants.
- Double Glazing Double glazed windows have two or three panes of glass, all of which are separated by gas or air. This type of window significantly reduces the amount of heat that is lost via the windows. Double glazing comes with a rating much like all home appliances do. A “B” rating which is commonly installed throughout the UK will result in a saving of £165 per year on heating bills according to the UK Power energy comparison service. Again, not only are savings made financially, environmentally the carbon being released is substantially reduced which is the main aim for the government and environmental groups.
- Draught Excluders It is possible to pick up a draught excluder for as little as a few pounds. By effectively plugging gaps under doors a reduction in heat loss may be achieved. Other similar products such as letter box latches and key covers will cut the amount of heat being lost, the cold air getting in and eliminate the need for heating to be turned up to combat the loss. The Energy Saving trust estimate that a saving of £55 per annum is achievable, purely by reducing heat loss.
- Condensing Boilers Condensing boilers are highly efficient boilers, potentially up to 90% efficient which makes them the ideal boilers to have installed in a home that is looking for reducing waste and cutting energy bills. As these boilers are so well regarded in terms of environmental benefits there may be financial incentives available to encourage homeowners to choose them when having a new boiler fitted. Find your local or national Gas Safe Registered boiler installer and get a boiler installation quote.
- Hot Water Tanks Hot water tanks store hot water for everyday washing, bathing and associated household uses. A hot water tank, particularly one that in wrapped in insulation to further retain heat is able to keep water at a temperature of between forty and sixty degrees for use when required. In essence this method of water heating works out cheaper as water is heated only when required and can be heated off-peak which costs less with regards to associated heating costs. Solar water tanks are becoming increasing common and work as one would expect, with solar power being the energy source which initially heats the water that is to be used. A hot water tank which utilises solar power as a back-up energy source will save consumers a significant amount on their bills.