Energy Efficiency

Home truths about energy and climate change

Every time we turn on our heating, switch on lights, heat water, cook or use any gas or electricity appliances in our home, we may be damaging our other home -The Earth- by adding to the threat of global warming. Using cars could make the problem even worse.

Over a quarter of the carbon dioxide produced in the UK comes from energy used in the home. This figure increases to around 40 per cent if we include the use of cars. We burn fuels such as coal, oil or gas for energy; in power stations to make electricity for running appliances and lighting; to heat the home; and for cooking. If we cut the amount of energy we use in our homes and cars, we reduce the carbon dioxide emissions that increase the risk of global warming.

Most of us are using much more energy than we need to, and therefore producing unnecessary carbon dioxide. The energy used by the average home creates 71/2 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. This can easily be reduced by one fifth, or even up to a half, by taking some of the steps recommended below. At the same time, you will reduce your fuel bills by a similar amount - benefiting the planet and your finances.

Home energy saving advice

By installing domestic insulation measures and reducing the energy we all use in the home can make a big saving on our fuel bills. For example by installing cavity wall and loft insulation and switching off unused appliances and lights we can save energy, money and in the process reduce our carbon foot print.

Simple tips to help you save energy

• Turning down the central heating thermostat by 1^c and the hot water cylinder thermostat to 60^c can reduce heating bills by up to ten per cent saving around £50.00 per year on heating bills
• Turning the central heating off if you are not in the house
• Never open windows or doors to cool down a room, instead turn down the heating thermostat
• Close the curtains at dusk and tuck them behind radiators, this will reduce the heat escaping through the windows  
• Check that your furniture is not too close to radiators or heaters as this blocks heat reaching the rest of the room
• Mount aluminium foil on cardboard and slip behind the radiators fitted against outside walls. The foil will reflect the heat back into the room
• Always turn off any un-used lights when leaving a room
• Never leave appliances on standby or charge unnecessarily
• Use the half-load or economy programme on a washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher where applicable
• Only boil as much water as you need, but remember to cover the elements if you are using an electric kettle
• Install low energy light bulbs in lights that are left on for long periods.

Home Insulation Measures

The quicker heat escapes from your home the higher the heating bills will be. However, if you insulate the walls and roof the heating system will need to produce less heat and this will save money and reduce the carbon dioxide emissions in the home.  Priority areas to insulate are the loft, cavity walls and draught-proofing. Insulating these areas could save up to £120 a year on energy bills.

Central Heating Programmer and Room Thermostat

Whatever form of heating you have, it needs to be properly controlled to ensure that it only produces the heat when and where you need it. By fitting a central heating programmer to your boiler will allow you to only heat your home when needed.  Remember that your home will stay warm longer if it is well insulated. Turning down the room thermostat by 1C can reduce the heating bills by ten per cent and you are unlikely to notice the difference in comfort.

Thermostat Radiator Valves

Fitting thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)on each radiator will help you keep each individual room at the right temperature - cooler in bedrooms if you prefer and warmer in living rooms.

High Efficiency Central Heating Boilers

Modern high efficiency boilers use much less fuel than old boilers. If your boiler is more than fifteen years old you should think about replacing it, especially when it next needs major repairs. New boilers are rated for their energy efficiency to show their running costs. Before buying a new boiler check how energy efficient it is as this could save money on heating costs.  Whether you upgrade the heating system or not, remember that regular annual servicing will prolong the useful and efficient life of the boiler and can prevent any disasters.

Water Heating

An average home uses 20 per cent of its energy bills on water heating, however, there are a number of ways you can cut bills and still have enough hot water for your needs by:

• Fitting a hot water tank jacket, which only cost a few pounds and will pay for itself by lowering fuel bills within a months
• If you have a thermostat on your hot water cylinder turning it down to 60C will reduce heating bills
• Taking a shower instead of a bath reduces the amount of hot water used.

Domestic Appliances

Remember that cheap does not always mean energy efficient and the energy efficiency of electrical appliances vary considerable. Spending time looking and comparing energy efficient appliances will be cost effective in the long term. These appliances have energy ratings which show the approximate running costs:

• Fridge and Freezers are on 24 hours a day seven days a week this makes them the most hard working appliances in our kitchens. Buying an energy efficient fridge could save up to £45.00 a year on your electricity.
• Televisions, DVD's, stereos, computers and mobile phones should not be left on standby or on charge unnecessarily. However, operational manuals should be checked to make sure that this does not reset the appliance memory.
• Washing Machines wherever possible always wash a full load of use a half-load or economy programme if the machine has one. Use the low temperature programme as modern washing powders will be just as effective at lower temperatures.
• Cooking Choose the right size pan for the food and cooker (the base should just cover the cooking ring) and keep lids on when cooking. If using gas, the flame only needs to heat the bottom of the pan.
• Kettles heat the amount of water you really need and try to prevent over filling. if you have an electric kettle make sure you cover the elements, and Jug- kettles need less water as they have smaller elements.
• Domestic Lighting always turn off lights when you leave a room and adjust your curtains or blinds to let in as much light as possible during the day.
• Double Glazing traps air between two panes of glass, reducing heat loss, noise and condensation. Replacing the glazing in the whole house can be expensive, however, fitting double glazing in the rooms that cost you the most money to heat could reduce heat loss by up to 20 per cent.

How to Change Energy Supplier

There are many competitive schemes to supply gas and electricity below are the five; steps you should follow if you decide to change supplier:

1. Contact your existing energy provider to find out if they have a social tariff scheme or better deal based on your circumstances. A social tariff scheme is often the cheapest deal available from your fuel company.
2. Get in touch with the new supplier and agree a contract. Your new supplier will keep you informed about the progress of the transfer which should take about six weeks to complete.
3. Give your old supplier 28 days notice that you are changing to a new energy provider. Consumer watch advises that you do this initially by telephone and follow up with written confirmation. There could be a delay or disruption in the transfer if you do not inform your existing supplier.
4. Pay outstanding bills owing to your existing supplier, if you do not they may prevent you from transferring.
5. Take a meter reading on the day you change over. If your old supplier does not use it to work out your final bill, or your new supplier does not use it as the starting point for your first bill, you will be able to provide them with the reading taken. For more information see credit-crunch-fuel-and-energy.