Improving energy efficiency
Effective ways to stop wasting energy and money
If your home isn’t energy efficient, not only will you be wasting money but you will be wasting energy as well. Nearly 25 per cent of the CO2 produced in the UK comes from the energy used in the home, so what can we do to reduce the amount of energy we use?
You can reduce your annual energy bill and your household's carbon dioxide emissions by following these top ten energy saving measures:
1. Loft insulation - The first step to reducing heating bills is to stop warmth escaping. A third of the heat lost in a home is lost through the loft. Insulating your loft is one of the simplest ways to save energy. Insulate your loft today and in a year you could save around £110. Grants and discounts are available - visit the Cocoon website for more information.
2. Cavity wall insulation - Around a third of the heat lost in an un-insulated house is through the walls. You could save around £90 on energy bills each year by insulating your wall cavities. It also creates an even temperature in your home. Grants and discounts are available - visit the Cocoon website for more information.
3. Draught proofing doors - Eliminate draughts and wasted heat by installing cheap brushes or PVC seals on your exterior doors. Letterboxes and keyholes should be covered too. You can install draught proofing yourself.
4. Draught proofing gaps - Draughts can stem from gaps in floorboards and skirting boards, and allow heat to escape in winter. Put an end to these draughts by filling these gaps with newspaper, beading or sealant.
5. Energy saving light bulbs - Energy saving light bulbs last around 10 times longer than ordinary light bulbs and use a fraction of the energy of an equivalent traditional bulb. Each bulb you fit could save up to £60 on electricity over the bulb's lifetime. They come in a wide variety of styles and sizes.
6. Hot water tank jacket - Hot water tank jackets are inexpensive and with all the heat they save pay for themselves within months. Fit one that's at least 75mm (3") thick and you could save around £20 a year.
7. High efficiency boiler - If your boiler is over 15 years old it's probably time to replace it. By law, new gas boilers in England and Wales must now be of the high efficiency condensing type, which can help you save up to a third on your heating bills and even more if you upgrade to modern controls as well. Grants and discounts are available - see Grants and discounts for heating for more information.
8. Energy efficient appliances - When purchasing new appliances, try to buy the most efficient appliance you can afford. Appliances are rated for their energy efficiency on a scale of A - G, with A being the most efficient.
9. Double glazing - Double glazing cuts heat loss through windows by 50 per cent and could cut your heating bill by around £90 a year.
10. Don’t waste energy! Turn off lights that are not needed, don't leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave laptops and mobile phones on charge unnecessarily.
For free, independent advice on energy efficiency in your home and information on the latest schemes and grants, look at the Energy Saving Trust website or call freephone 0800 512 012.
Last reviewed: 04 - 10 - 2011