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.
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.
So what steps can you take to make a difference in your home?
The first steps 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 window frames and single glazed windows. Consider replacing
your open fire with an energy efficient wood-burning stoves.
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.
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 pumps,
it delivers 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 your the most appropriate renewable
energy heating solution. Heat pumps, for example, can replace your
existing boiler or work in tandem with it.
27% of the UK's CO2 emissions ae 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 1970s. Many solutions
have been designed, developed and tested over a number of years.
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 hundreds of pounds each year. For more
information and advice, please see the Energy Saving Trust's website.
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 1C reduces the energy required by 5%. An indoor temperature of 21C is considered comfortable for living areas.
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 will help you work out how quickly you are likely to
recoup the cost of installing a renewable energy system. Please contact us for further details