Energy efficiency in the home relates to both electricity use and fuel consumption for heating and hot water.
The following section identifies:
useful tips for immediate ways to save energy
advice for home energy conservation
advice on reducing fuel bills and
links to a wide range of other information sources .
Information is also available on energy efficiency grants.
Electricity
- switch off lights in empty rooms - especially at the end of the day
- use low energy light bulbs
- use daylight - keep windows and skylights clean and clear
- clean light fittings annually
- turn off electrical appliances - do not leave them on standby
- wash clothes at a lower temperature.
More information is available from the Energy Saving Trust Save Your 20% website.
Heating
- set the thermostat at 19 or 20 degrees - costs rise by 80% for every degree increase. (If the thermostat is in the hall it should be set at 18 degrees).
- keep radiators clear - don't block radiators with furniture as it reduces efficiency and output
- keep windows closed in cold weather - if it is too warm, turn the heating down instead.
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Advice for home energy conservation
- draft-proof doors and windows
- seal drafts around floors and skirting boards
- install loft insulation (ideally 200mm, if less than 100mm, top it up)
- install double or secondary glazing
- investigate the possibility of installing cavity wall insulation in your property. This is usually the most cost effective means of reducing heating costs.
- Fit individual thermostaic radiator valves if you don't have any.
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Advice on reducing fuel bills
- ensure that your bills relate to up-to-date meter readings, not estimates
- pay your fuel bills by direct debit
- purchase both gas and electricity from the same supplier
- use the internet to check out the cheapest energy provider.
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Links to a wide range of other information sources
Strathclyde and Central Energy Efficiency Advice Centres provide free, independent and impartial energy advice to households on ways of saving energy, as well as information on grants and offers. Telephone 0141 552 0799.
The Energy Saving Trust is one of the UK's leading organisations addressing the damaging effects of climate change. It aims to achieve sustainable and efficient use of energy and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, a key contributor to global warming. The trust is a non-profit organisation funded by government and the private sector. Its website offers:
- home energy check
- information on efficient products
- information on grants and offers (including a search tool)
- energy obesity quiz
The Boiler Efficiency database is produced by the Building Research Establishment , the Government's principal organisation for research in the construction industry. It lists all major central heating boilers on sale in the UK and indicates their relative efficiency. It is updated regularly.
There are a number of sites available that allow you to compare your fuel bills with your current supplier against those of alternative suppliers, and hopefully reduce your expenditure on energy, for example uswitch .
The Eaga Partnership Ltd formerly known as the Energy Action Grants Agency, is an employee-owned company. It manages a variety of public and private funded grant schemes aimed mostly at low-income households.
Energywatch is the independent gas and electricity consumer champion. It provides free, impartial information and advice to consumers across Scotland about gas and electricity issues, and produces a range of consumer information, which is available from all its regional and national offices and can also be viewed on its website.
Ofgem is the regulator for Britain's gas and electricity industries. Its role is to protect and advance the interests of consumers by promoting competition where possible, and through regulation where necessary.
The Carbon Trust is an independent not for profit company set up by the Government, with support from business, to take the lead on low carbon technology and innovation in this country. Its focus is on innovation and the reduction of energy consumption by businesses.
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