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Home » Energy Efficiency » Renewable Energy

Energy Efficiency

Introduction

Energy efficiency has become a priority in the past few years and is now supported with an array of grants. There are two factors driving the imperative to use less fossil fuel to heat our homes:

the urgent need to dramatically lower carbon emissions if we are to avoid devastating climate change, and
the credit crunch means we have less to spend - so why waste it on heat that leaks out of the house?

As a result energy efficiency has hit the headlines, and become a government priority and there’s lots of support available. Most of the grants are targeted at people who are over 60 or on benefits. Check on Warm Front to see if you’re eligible.

The utility companies also have to help with energy efficiency under the government’s carbon emmissions reduction target (CERT). To find out what grants are available in your area contact your local energy advice centre on 0800 512 012.

While YouGen is mainly about renewable energy, we’re also keen supporters of energy efficiency. We strongly advise you to make your house as energy efficient as possible before you even think about microgeneration. Why bother spending lots of money generating power or heat if it’s only going to leak back out again?

A good way to start is by finding out how well your home is doing at the moment. The Energy Saving Trust has an easy-to-use home energy check . It takes a couple of minutes to complete the form, and then they send you an energy efficiency rating and a list of improvements you could make. They also tell you what potential savings you’d make as a result, both in cost and in carbon emissions.

Practical efficiency measures

Here’s a list of things that you might consider doing to make your house more energy efficient. The great thing, is that lots of them also save you money and make you warmer. That strikes us as win-win all round.

Cut out the draughts by fitting draught proofing strips around external windows and doors, the hatch to the attic and between floorboards
Install low energy light bulbs – they will pay back the cost in a year in reduced electricity bills
Get Sava plugs for old fridges or freezers
Lag all your pipes and make sure your hot water cylinder is well insulated
Insulate your loft. There are grants available, and it’s free if you’re on benefits. Telephone your local energy efficiency advice centre on 0800 512 012 to find out what’s available in your area
Insulate cavity walls if you have them. If you don’t it is possible to insulate inside or outside solid walls. One method is by dry-lining, which may be an option if you are redecorating. However, this costs more. If you can just afford one wall, choose the one facing the prevailing wind.
If you’ve got wooden floors you can insulate under the boards
Get individual thermostats for each radiator
Are your windows double – or even triple – glazed? If not this will make a big difference. Double glazing with gas between the panes is more efficient than that with air
Adding a closed porch will prevent cooling air reaching the hallway
Thick curtains with pelmets will stop heat loss by trapping the cold air behind the curtains. Draw the curtains at dusk
A conservatory facing between south east and southwest will act as a storage heater for passive heat from the sun
Whenever you buy a new appliance make sure it’s as energy efficient as possible. Help choosing is available from Sust-it

Energy efficiency is a government priority at the moment and energy companies have an obligation to help their customers to reduce the amount of energy they use. This means that there’s a range of grants available for insulation and some of the other improvements. It may also attract a lower rate of VAT. Look on DirectGov to see what energy efficiency grants you’re eligible for, or ring your local energy efficiency advice centre on 0800 512 012 (we know this looks like a national number, but you’ll be connected to your nearest office).

Other energy saving tips

Of course there’s a human element to all this too. We can make our houses totally snug and efficient, but that’s no good if we leave all the lights on, the TV blaring and the fridge door open. Here are some tips to help you reduce energy use.

Turn off the lights, radio, TV etc when you leave a room
Don’t leave appliances on stand by
All electrical appliances have an energy rating which measures their energy efficiency on a scale of A to G. When you replace an appliance always buy one with the highest rating you can afford. Also look out for the Energy Saving Trust’s energy saving recommended products
Take control of your heating. Rather than just leaving it to the timer, turn it on when you feel cold and turn it off again as soon as you feel warm
Twiddle with the knobs – turn off radiators in rooms you don’t use much, and turn them down in ones that you don’t sit around in
If you’re tempted to turn up the thermostat, put on an extra jumper instead
Wash your clothes at 30 degrees or on a cold wash
Hang them out to dry on the line rather than using a tumble drier
Put a lid on saucepans
Defrost your fridge and freezer regularly and dust the coils. They will work more efficiently and last longer

If you like lots of detail the Energy Savings Trust’s domestic energy primer gives a thorough introduction to energy efficiency in existing homes. It’s aimed at energy efficiency advisers, but will be of equal use to home owners.

For an engaging and entertaining guide to decreasing your carbon emissions by counting ‘carbos’ we heartily recommend George Marshall’s Carbon Detox

‘I cannot stress strongly enough that a detox lifestyle is about freeing yourself up to have fun,’ he says. ‘We are talking about living better by living differently.’