Energy efficiency in the home
Switching onto saving energy doesn't just benefit the environment. By going green you could even end up saving money on your bills.
Lighting and appliances
It's worth thinking twice every time you flick on a switch; whether it's for lights, the kettle or washing machine, anything that demands power costs money. That's why small changes in your behaviour around the house can reap rewards. By switching off a light as you leave the room, or waiting until you have a full load before using the washing machine (on a low temperature programme), you'll begin to make considerable savings.
Consider fitting energy-saving light bulbs, which use less electricity but provide the same light output as ordinary bulbs. They might cost a little more, but last up to twelve times longer, so you'll benefit financially in the long run. For each bulb you fit, you can save up to £9 on your annual electricity bill.
Heating
Wherever you're living, in rented accommodation or a place of your own, there is lots you can do to minimise your heating costs. If your radiators are fitted with thermostats (a device that shuts off the heating when the room reaches a certain temperature) then you can drop them all by several degrees. The chances are you won't notice the difference, until the bill comes in.
One of the biggest causes of high fuel bills and energy inefficiency comes from old boilers, generally those over 15 years-old. At the very least, be sure to have yours regularly serviced, not just to maximise efficiency but for safety reasons, too. If you're in a position to consider a modern boiler system then the long-term advantages are numerous. They're more energy efficient and use less fuel to run. The most energy efficient boilers are high efficiency condensing boilers. These convert more than 90% of their fuel into heat, compared to 78% for conventional types. You or your landlord may be eligible for a grant to install a new boiler.
Insulation
A heating bill can go through the roof without decent insulation. This is because hot air rises, and is very quick to escape. The good news is that there are a number of cheap and easy measures that can make your place warmer. For example, if your home has wooden floors, you can fill gaps in floorboards and skirting with newspaper, beading or sealant. You can also eliminate draughts and wasted heat by fixing a brush or seal to your outer doors.
The most effective way to keep the heat in your home is to insulate your loft. Most houses already have some loft insulation, but energy savings will depend on how thick the insulation is. If you're renting, talk to your landlord about the cost advantages of decent insulation.
You can also put insulation or lagging around a hot water cylinder and pipes to retain heat. The cylinder may already have a jacket fitted, but by fitting a new more efficient jacket this could improve your fuel savings.
If you are a private tenant, your landlord may be prepared to insulate the property and may be able to get a tax allowance of up to £1,500 to help with costs. For more information, they should contact their local tax office. If you are a housing trust, housing association or local authority tenant, you can ask your landlord what measures they are taking to promote energy efficiency in their property. Most local authorities provide grants and offers for local residents to install certain energy efficiency measures in their home. You should not undertake any major work on any property you rent without first obtaining the permission of your landlord.
Grants and schemes
There are various energy efficiency schemes and grants that are available. The main scheme is a home energy efficiency scheme known as Warm Front in England, Warm Deal in Scotland, the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme in Wales and the Warm Homes Scheme in Northern Ireland. The scheme is funded by the Government and provides energy advice and grants to help with the costs of home insulation and to improve energy efficiency for certain groups of people, including those on low incomes. The scheme covers both owner-occupiers and people renting accommodation.
Thanks to Citizens Advice Bureau for help with this article.
Written by Matt Whyman
Print this page Email this page to a friend Add to favourites
