HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME MOVE ENERGY EFFICIENT

More than three quarters of carbon dioxide emissions are due to transport, industry and our households. We can all do “our bit” by making our homes as energy efficient as possible. Not only will you then help to reduce the amount of CO2 released, but will also save yourself a considerable sum of money.

It is not difficult, or in most instances expensive to start saving. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

Your priorities should be to insulate your roof and cavity walls. Cavity walls are responsible for a third of all the heat lost from our homes. There are many grants available to householders to help with the cost of installing insulation. You can find information on the grants available on websites such as www.saveenergy.co.uk amongst others.

If money is tight there are ways to save energy that will cost you nothing.

Only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need.

Turn off any appliances that go to standby, if the little red light is on it can cost you up to £30 per year.

Put less water in the bath, or take a shower.

Reduce the temperature of your central heating.

Block any draughts you can find BUT NOT ANY VENTILATION GRILLS.

If you really want to go the whole way, then there are a myriad of environmentally friendly ways to generate energy or hot water. The Government is keen to see households embrace new technology and there are grants available to help householders with the costs of installation.

Photo-voltaic tiles can be fitted to your roof and will generate electricity.

Solar cells can be used to generate hot water even in the depths of winter.

Wind powered generators for households are being tested and results so far show that they can generate enough electricity to reduce your bills by up to a third.

These are not cheap options, but may well be a requirement if the UK is to meet its’ commitments to Global greenhouse gas reductions.

Any small thing you do to reduce energy consumption will help both your pocket and the environment. If we all do a little something then these little savings will add up to a lot and make a significant difference.

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