Firstly Some Facts:
The UK needs to slash CO2 emissions as quickly as possible
- 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 these old buildings will still exist in 2050.
- Year on year electricity and gas prices have been steadily rising seven times the rate of wages overall.. This year, gas prices have risen by 250% and they are unlikely to fall again.
- Average household energy bills now stand at over £1,200 - with simple measures this can easily be halved.
Tips & Technologies...
Heating System
An old inefficient boiler could account for over 20% of your heating costs - consider replacing!
Heat pumps are now more efficient and quiet and show significant carbon savings when replacing gas boilers.
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) runs till end of March 2022, it pays out over 7 years based on the heat demand of your property, and covers solar thermal heating, bio-mass boilers, and heat pumps.
If you have a larger property and are thinking of fitting a heat pump we recommend doing it whilst the RHI is running. the replacement scheme is likely to be an upfront grant which will suit some, but it will be offering less money overall than the RHI except for smaller more efficient properties.
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 is more efficient becasue it runs much cooler, and it saves wall space.
Chimneys
Block open fireplaces during the heating season when not in use, with balloons or baffles - but remember to ventilate in the summer.
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, preferably 300mm. 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! The winter sun can make a significant contribution toward your heating requirement, but the summer sun may result in an expensive and energy intensive cooling requirement.
Electricity
Make sure your fridge and freezer are well sealed. Buy AAA rated appliances. Don't leave things on standby. Change all lightbulbs to LEDs.
Renewables
Solar thermal panels or evacuated tubes 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!
Plus, 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!
Heat pumps are now more efficient and quiet and show significant carbon savings when replacing gas boilers.
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) runs till end of March 2022, it pays out over 7 years based on the heat demand of your property, and covers solar thermal heating, bio-mass boilers, and heat pumps.
If you have a larger property and are thinking of fitting a heat pump we recommend doing it whilst the RHI is running. the replacement scheme is likely to be an upfront grant which will suit some, but it will be offering less money overall than the RHI except for smaller more efficient properties.
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 is more efficient becasue it runs much cooler, and it saves wall space.
Chimneys
Block open fireplaces during the heating season when not in use, with balloons or baffles - but remember to ventilate in the summer.
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, preferably 300mm. 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! The winter sun can make a significant contribution toward your heating requirement, but the summer sun may result in an expensive and energy intensive cooling requirement.
Electricity
Make sure your fridge and freezer are well sealed. Buy AAA rated appliances. Don't leave things on standby. Change all lightbulbs to LEDs.
Renewables
Solar thermal panels or evacuated tubes 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!
Plus, so much energy is wasted on moving our waste food about - compost it and use it on your own veggies at home!
