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| Ways to save energy and
reduce your heating bill |
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Fit double glazing
Well....you didn't expect us not to mention it! But seriously over 20% of domestic heat loss is through draughts and single glazed windows. Fitting double glazed windows and doors can substantially reduce this wastage and make your home more attractive and secure as well. If you can't afford replacement windows and doors at the moment, ensure that you seal all draughts (BUT remember that gas appliances need ventilation) and consider temporary secondary glazing. Although not as energy efficient as a sealed double glazing unit, secondary glazing can help to conserve heat.
The cheapest option is a cling film type plastic sheeting which is stuck to the window frame with double sided tape and then warmed with a hairdryer. This causes the plastic film to shrink and stretch tight removing any wrinkles and creases. This type of secondary glazing, whilst cheap, does need to be renewed once disturbed and so is unsuitable for windows which you may want to open. Slightly more expensive are secondary glazing panels. These are made from rigid clear plastic and can either be affixed to the existing wooden frame with magnetic tape or plastic channeling. In both cases, the panels can be removed for ventilation and cleaning.
In all instances, make sure you have at least one window that can be opened for ventilation in each room and as a means of exit in case of fire.
| • More energy saving hints and tips |
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With the price of gas and electricity on a seemingly endless series of climbs, now is a good time to take a look around your home and see where you can make some energy savings. |
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Over 20% of the heat lost from your home goes straight out of the roof, so it’s important that you have the attic properly insulated. Even if your attic was insulated when the house was built or any time before the last couple of years, it may not have the right amount of insulation.Recent government recommendations have almost doubled the suggested amount of insulation, and a minimum thickness of 200-250 mm (8 - 10 inches) is now suggested in temperate areas.
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If you do need to top up your attic insulation, it’s easy to do it yourself in a few hours if you are reasonably good at DIY. You don’t need any special tools or skills and it can be much cheaper than paying someone else to do it – as long as you don’t put your foot through the ceiling! But check before you start as grants may be available to help with part or all of the cost of insulation, especially for the elderly or those on a low income or benefit.
Click here to find out more information on how to save energy in the home. |
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