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by Zoë Dyer
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Are you aware of what is going on in your own home? The
structure of your building and the appliances that you use
could be wasting energy resulting in higher bills for you
and a strain on the environment. By being energy efficient
you could save up to £200 per year on bills.
Why should you conserve energy?
When electricity generating stations burn fossil fuels
to make energy they emit damaging greenhouse gases into
the atmosphere. These gases heat up the earth like a
greenhouse and result in global warming. Rising
temperatures, melting ice caps and rising sea levels cause
climate change.
Increasing energy efficiency means reducing the energy
wasted by inefficient homes and appliances. As a result,
less energy is required from the power station and
subsequently there will be a reduction in the amount of
greenhouse gases they emit.
Moving Home?
When moving home there are more than enough things for
you to worry about without considering conserving energy.
Right? Wrong! Actually, this is probably one of the best
times to start being more energy conscious. You may need
to shop for new electrical appliances or consider making
home improvements. For example, it's certainly easier to
fit insulation before filling the loft and you could save
a quarter on your heating bills. |
You should always get your boiler checked when you move
into a new property. Not only could it be faulty but it
could be using far too much energy. Replacing the existing
boiler with an energy efficient condensing model will
result in savings in the future. Adding heating controls
to the system could save you as much as 17% on your
heating costs. Is your new property double glazed? If
not it may be an idea to get the windows changed before
you spend time painting and hanging curtains (but be aware
of the new regulations).
You can make savings on energy, money and the
environment by making an informed choice on the product
you decide to purchase. To find the most energy efficient
models look out for the Energy Efficiency Recommended
logo. The logo may be found on washing machines, dryers,
dishwashers, fridges, freezers and light bulbs.
And the Results?
One quarter of the UK's carbon dioxide (C02) emissions
every rear originate from the energy used in our homes.
Buying new electrical appliances
In an average three bedroomed home with gas heating the
following amazing savings could be made:-
- Install loft insulation, save £95 a year.
- Install cavity wall insulation, save £78 a year.
- Install double glazing, save £42 a year.
- Install a condensing boiler, save £123 a year.
So. what are you waiting for? Make a few changes to
your home and start saving! |
