Firstly Some Facts:
- The UK must cut CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050
- 50% of all our energy is used by our buildings - 27% in our homes
- 20% of houses were built before 1919, have solid walls, single-glazing, and open fireplaces - 75% of these have no insulation..
- Old Houses are responsible for at least 10% of the UK's total energy use and emissions.
- At least 80% of old buildings will still exist in 2050..
- Year on year electricity prices have been rising 5% and gas prices nearly 10% - seven times the rate of wages overall..
- Average household energy bills now stand at over £1,350 - this can easily be halved..
Tips & Technologies...
Heating System
An old inefficient boiler could account for over 20% of your heating costs - consider replacing!
Fit thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to your radiators, and install thermostats and weather compensation controls.
Fit an efficient wood stove instead of an open fire. Underfloor heating runs much cooler & saves wall space.
Chimneys
Block open fireplaces when not in use, with balloons or baffles - but remember to ventilate long-term.
Windows
Use heavy curtains in the winter, or shutters.
DIY draftproof, or have your sashes overhauled. Consider secondary glazing or new double glazing - timber frames are more attractive, easily serviceable, much more eco, and will last longer than uPVC.
Insulation
It's not sexy but it could save you a fortune!
Make sure the loft has at least 200mm of insulation. Consider internal or external solid wall insulation. Insulate the ground floor if possible, certainly attic ceilings.
Seasonality
Let the winter sun in, but keep the summer sun out!
Electricity
Make sure your fridge and freezer are well sealed. Buy AAA appliances. Don't leave things on standby. Change all lightbulbs to CFLs, or better still LEDs.
Renewables
Solar thermal will provide up to 60% of your hot water - 100% in the summer! It remains the most economical renewable energy - free energy from the sun! Solar PV (Photovoltaics) will pay you to provide electricity!
Grow Food & Compost!
Even if you're short of space, there's loads of tasty things that you can grow in pots.. So much energy is wasted on moving our waste food about - compost it and use it on your own veggies at home!
An old inefficient boiler could account for over 20% of your heating costs - consider replacing!
Fit thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to your radiators, and install thermostats and weather compensation controls.
Fit an efficient wood stove instead of an open fire. Underfloor heating runs much cooler & saves wall space.
Chimneys
Block open fireplaces when not in use, with balloons or baffles - but remember to ventilate long-term.
Windows
Use heavy curtains in the winter, or shutters.
DIY draftproof, or have your sashes overhauled. Consider secondary glazing or new double glazing - timber frames are more attractive, easily serviceable, much more eco, and will last longer than uPVC.
Insulation
It's not sexy but it could save you a fortune!
Make sure the loft has at least 200mm of insulation. Consider internal or external solid wall insulation. Insulate the ground floor if possible, certainly attic ceilings.
Seasonality
Let the winter sun in, but keep the summer sun out!
Electricity
Make sure your fridge and freezer are well sealed. Buy AAA appliances. Don't leave things on standby. Change all lightbulbs to CFLs, or better still LEDs.
Renewables
Solar thermal will provide up to 60% of your hot water - 100% in the summer! It remains the most economical renewable energy - free energy from the sun! Solar PV (Photovoltaics) will pay you to provide electricity!
Grow Food & Compost!
Even if you're short of space, there's loads of tasty things that you can grow in pots.. So much energy is wasted on moving our waste food about - compost it and use it on your own veggies at home!