We are now paying twice as much to heat our homes as we were just 6 or 7 years ago. Analysts believe that we have seen the end of an era of cheap energy and point to global factors like scarcity and security of supply. Some are predicting
More and more people are aware of the benefits of renewable energy and we have seen a sharp increase in the number of householders looking to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and minimise their heating bills.
27% of the UK’s CO2 emissions are produced by the energy we use to heat, light and power our homes. The average household in the UK emits around 6 tonnes of CO2 every year.
The good news is that there is a lot of good practice already available from countries like Sweden and Germany where governments were quick to react to the last energy crisis in the 1970’s. Many solutions have been designed, developed and tested over a number of years.
So what steps can you take to make a difference in your home?
The first step is to see what can be done to keep more heat in.
Measures like draught proofing, improving levels of insulation (loft, walls, floors, hot water tank and pipes) and replacing poorly insulated windows frames and single glazed windows. Consider replacing your open fire with an energy efficient wood-burning stove. An open fire is only 30% efficient when lit and the rest of the time allows heat to escape up the chimney. The most efficient wood-burning stoves are 80% efficient and still create a cosy atmosphere! These measures alone could potentially save a couple of hundred pounds each year. For more information and advice please see the Energy Saving Trust website.
Secondly, review how you use your heating.
· In a reasonably well insulated and draught proof home it can make sense to keep the heating on rather than switching it off and letting the house cool down. It can take more energy to heat the house up again. This requires a good control system, ideally with weather compensation.
· A good heating control system can create a more even temperature, increase comfort levels and save up to 10% on energy usage.
· Turning down the heating by 1°C reduces the energy required by 5%. An indoor temperature of 21°C is considered comfortable for living areas.
Thirdly, review your heating system.
Oil and gas boilers are usually 80 – 90% efficient. Heat pumps can be up to 400% efficient. For 1 unit of electricity to run the heat pump it delivers up to 4 units of heat. A heat pump could provide you with a 75% energy saving on your heating and hot water.
There are many different types of heat pump to suit different applications. Working with our network of local installers, we assess the characteristics of your home and its surroundings and discuss with you the most appropriate renewable energy heating solution. Heat pumps, for example, can replace your existing boiler or work in tandem with it.
We will produce an energy calculation based on specific information about your property. This gives you an anticipated annual energy saving and from this we help you work out how quickly you are likely to recoup the cost of the heat pump installation. There are also grants available towards the cost of installing a renewable energy system. Please contact us for further details.