Energy efficiency is good for your wallet
With rises in fuels costs of 94% for gas and 60% for electricity in just three years (energywatch, 2006) the financial savings to be made by reducing your fuel consumption are increasing greatly.
By preventing the loss of heat from your house you could make savings on your fuel bill of £90 a year by installing cavity wall insulation and £110 a year by installing the recommended 270mm (11”) of loft insulation. Combined with the savings to be made from current discount schemes these measures can pay for themselves within a few years.
Further savings can be made by:
* Installing a more efficient condensing boiler
* Draught proofing
* Insulating your hot water tank
Simple behavioural changes can also make a difference to the amount of energy that you use, click here for our top tips on energy saving!
The value of an energy efficient house…
Energy efficiency is rapidly rising up the agenda at both a political and personal level. An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is now required when a house is sold as part of the Home Information Pack. The EPC contains ratings on energy efficiency which are displayed in a similar format to the A-G rated energy labels that you see on appliances such as fridges, freezers and electric ovens. A breakdown then highlights the typical energy use, insulation, heating controls and potential improvements that can be made.
A more energy efficient house is beneficial for your health and keeps you warm and cosy: it reduces your energy bills and helps to protect wildlife. Energy efficient houses are therefore more attractive to buyers than houses which are less efficient. The EPCs will highlight household energy efficiency therefore the sale of your house could be more successful if you make your home as energy efficient as possible! Do a free Home Energy Check to see how your home might rate in an EPC.
For more information on why energy efficiency is good for your wallet call your local Energy Saving Trust Centre on 0800 512012