There's no point spending out on a fantastic renewable heating system if your building is uninsulated and leaking heat through the walls, roof and windows.
If you invest in energy efficiency first, the money you spend on a renewable energy system will go further.
So what can you do?
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Make sure the building is insulated; there are grants for householders to install loft and cavity wall insulation. Householders should call the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre on 0800 512 012 to find out about grants in their area. |
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Use low energy lighting; switching one 100W tungsten bulb for its low energy alternative (20W) will save abound £9 a year. How many bulbs do you need to change? |
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Use efficient equipment and appliances; whether you are choosing a new dishwasher or a digital radio, you will have a choice of products that consume varying amounts of electricity to do the same job. On domestic appliances and white goods you can look for the Energy Saving Recomended logo. |
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Control your heating system; it doesn't matter what type of building you are heating it is always worth investing in a good control system. Think about when you want the building to be warm, and how long the building takes to warm up and cool down. Can you turn the thermostat down a bit, or put on a jumper? Make use of natural ventilation before air switching conditioning on. |
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Know how much energy you use; read your meter regularly and check whether the estimated readings on your bills are accurate. When you know how much energy you use it is much easier to identify where you can save it. |
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BE energy efficient; start thinking about what you do that uses energy and how you could change it. Switch off lights in areas they are not being used, switch off TV's, stereos and computers rather than leaving on standby. Make sure appliances are kept in good running order. |
RE4D will be able to give you some energy efficiency advice, but for more detailed information and energy audits you will need to contact your local Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre on 0800 512 012 for more information and to apply for grants and discounts for loft and cavity wall insulation.
