Calor's Tips For a Greener Home

Energy Efficiency are the two words on everyone’s lips at the moment and the topic has got everyone, from politicians to pop stars, pledging to do their bit for the planet. Living greener is one way that everyone can do their bit and the added benefit is that you can save money in the process. Financial guru, Alvin Hall, estimates that the average household in the UK wastes an incredible £200 a year by not being energy efficient. Here, Calor, the UK’s leading supplier of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), has put together some tips for Move to the Country readers on how to help the environment – and cut energy bills.

Cavity Wall Insulation

In most homes built after the 1920s, external walls are made of two layers with a small cavity in between. According to the Energy Savings Trust (EST), if all the houses with unfilled cavity walls had them insulated, the energy saved could heat a staggering 1.7 million homes each year. Cavity wall insulation costs from £250 and takes only a few hours – insulation is just injected into the cavity from outside.

Insulate your loft

Around one third of heat loss in the home is typically through the roof, so by insulating your loft to the recommended depth of 270mm, you can save energy and money. It’s is an easy job you can do yourself – visit your local DIY store for details of what materials you’ll need.

Picking the Right Fuel

It is estimated that around 1.7 million homes in Britain are off mains gas, leaving residents to find alternative fuel supplies. Calor LPG is becoming a popular choice for many in these circumstances. Unlike oil, the storage of LPG does not pose any pollution hazards to soil or watercourses, and figures from the latest SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure), published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, show that heating oil generates 13.2 per cent more greenhouse gas emissions than LPG.

Solar Water Heating

Running costs of solar are thought to be around 60 per cent less than a conventional water heating system and carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced by up to one tonne per year. A basic solar kit, with panels, heat transfer system and a hot water cylinder, will cost around £3000.

High Efficiency Boilers

Boilers account for around sixty per cent of CO2 emissions. HE (High Efficiency) condensing boilers convert more than 88 per cent of fuel into heat, as opposed to 78 per cent for conventional types. Replacing your old boiler for a HE (High Efficiency) condensing boiler with the correct heating controls can trim significant amounts from your bills.

Eco Homes

If you’re thinking of moving, why not buy a home that is already green? Some websites specifically advertise energy efficient homes for sale. Alternatively, you could join the 20,000 self builders a year and take on a self build project, installing your own energy efficient products from scratch.

Recycling

More of us than ever are recycling, but not everyone is aware of just how much can be recycled. Composting, for example, is a great way to recycle kitchen and garden waste – grass cuttings, vegetable cuttings, teabags and eggshells are just of the waste that can be composted. The compost can then be used as a fertiliser in garden soil. Most garden centres or DIY stores stock compost bins or you can make your own.

Switch off!

It really is as simple as it sounds. Turning down your thermostat by just 1°C could cut your heating bills by ten per cent. Similarly, putting your washing on at 30°C, instead of 40°C uses less electricity. Get into the habit of switching off the lights every time you leave a room and turning off appliances at the mains – the EST estimates that each household wastes £37 each year by leaving appliances on standby.

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Issued on behalf of Calor by Bright, 10 St Catherine’s Court, Herbert Road, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 3QE For further information please contact Victoria Crowe or Michelle Simpson at Bright on Tel: +44 (0) 121 711 5000 Fax: +44 (0) 121 711 5001 or Email: victoria@bright-consultancy.co.uk.

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