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Energy efficiency tips

Even the simplest steps can help improve energy efficiency and to protect the environment, keep fuel costs down.

Here are just a few suggestions:

1. Install a condensing boiler

By law new domestic gas boilers in England and Wales must be high efficiency condensing models (with some exceptions). If your boiler has reached 10-15 years old then it’s probably time to consider replacing it. Luckily condensing boilers will save you a considerable amount off your heating bills and cut carbon emissions too.

2. Cavity wall insulation^*

Almost a third of the heat lost in the average home is through the walls. By insulating wall cavities you could save up to £100 from your energy bills each year.

3. Loft insulation^*

Easy to install and extremely effective, loft insulation could save you up to £110 each year.

4. Insulate hot water tanks

Fitting a jacket around your hot water tank – the thicker the better – is easy, cheap and shaves even more money off your fuel bills.

5. Invest in double glazing^*

Double glazing reduces heat loss through windows by 50 percent and could cut your heating bill by around £90 a year.

6. Use energy efficient light bulbs^*

They last around 10 times longer than ordinary light bulbs and use only 20 percent of the electricity.

7. Draught-proof

Take measures to stop heat being lost through gaps in doors, windows or floorboards. Use seals or brushes on exterior doors, cover letterboxes, seal window edges and fill gaps in floorboards with newspaper.

8. Turn your boiler thermostat down

Turning it down by just 1°C can cut 10 percent off heating bills.

9. Floors

Not all ground floors are of solid construction so you should ensure that a good quality carpet underlay is fitted to restrict heat loss.

10. Appliance servicing

It is vitally important that all gas appliances are correctly installed and regularly serviced to ensure their safe and efficient operation. All new appliances must be installed and regularly serviced by a CORGI LPG registered installer. For details of your nearest CORGI installer, please call CORGI on 01256 372300.

11. Room thermostats

These ensure that the heating system operates efficiently and that there is a steady, controlled temperature in the house. A small reduction in room temperature can give a large reduction in gas consumption and often you will stay comfortably warm.

12. Thermostatic radiator valves

Fitted to individual radiators, these allow the temperature of each room to be better controlled. Try different settings in different rooms, higher settings in living rooms, medium settings in bedrooms and lower settings in halls and landings.

13. Boiler controls

There are many boiler controls available, ranging from the simple to the very sophisticated. Make sure the controller is set so that the heating is only on when you want it.

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