Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is key to reducing carbon emissions and keeping your energy bills down. If your home is energy efficient it will make the most of every unit of energy without wasting any.
Domestic energy is measured in Kilowatt Hours (Kwh). Your energy supplier charges you per unit used - typically a unit of electricity costs around 13p and gas is around 4.5p.
If you want to work out how much an appliance costs to run you need to know it's power consumption. If you used a 1000 watt hairdryer, which is the same as 1 kilowatt (Kwh), for one hour it would cost 13p. Similarly, ten 100 watt light bulbs left on for an hour would cost the same.
Energy monitors
Installing an energy monitor is a great way of seeing how much electricity your property is using. They are easy to install and most energy companies will be able to supply you with one. They will be available from the Central Library from January 2011 for hire. They will show you the difference switching a light off, or turning the washing machine to 30 degrees makes, both in Kwh as well as pounds and pence.
Energy saving tips
No cost energy saving
There are many things you can do to save energy that cost nothing. These are often called 'behavioural' methods because they involve you changing behaviour. The following are just a few things you could do:
- When making a cup of tea, boil only the amount of water you need - don't automatically fill the kettle
- When cooking, put the lids on pans whenever possible
- Turn lights off when they are not needed
- Don't have windows open when the heating is on; if you want to air a room turn the heating off for half an hour or so
- Turn the television off at the set, not with the remote control (standby) - it is still using electricity when on standby
- Defrost your fridge and freezer at least every three months
- Hang heavy lined curtains in winter - they help stop draughts and will keep warmth in the room
If you do lots of little things to help save energy you will notice a big difference. You will save money and you will be helping the environment.
Efficient heating
Nobody likes waste and yet all of us waste heat every day through the fabric of our homes. Energy efficiency measures reduce this waste. Most energy is lost through the roof and walls, and the most cost-effective energy efficiency measures are loft and cavity wall insulation. Investment in these will pay for themselves in just a few years. See our insulation page for more details or visit the CosyDevon website for a great deal on fitted insulation.
Radiator panels are an effective way of reducing heat loss if you have solid walls or un-insulated cavity walls. The panels are made from a reflective plastic and fit between the radiator and the wall. They help stop heat from passing through the wall and also improve the way heat is dispersed into the room. Plymouth residents can take advantage of a 10 per cent discount on panels by calling 01572 768362 and quoting 'Plymouth Offer PL10'.
Draft proofing your property can have an immediate effect on how comfortable it feels within a room. Relatively inexpensive draft proofing is available from all DIY shops and could save you up to 15 per cent on your heating bills.
Low energy appliances
Energy labels are now common place on electrical appliances. The label shows the energy rating of the product on a range from 'A' (best) to 'G' (worst).
Recent advances in refrigeration technology have led to 'A+' and 'A++' ratings. The higher the energy rating, the less energy it will use and the less it will cost to run. In addition to the energy label, look out for the 'Energy Saving Recommended' blue triangle in the showroom. These are tested by the Energy Saving Trust to ensure they meet an energy saving standard.
For more information about the energy label, visit the Energy Saving Trust website.
Low-energy lighting
Low-energy light bulbs have become common place in our homes. These lamps last a lot longer than the old-fashioned 'GLS' lamps and they are considerably cheaper to run. There is a gradual phasing out of the traditional higher wattage bulbs and from January 2012 you will no longer be able to buy light bulbs rated at 60 watts or above.
The future of low energy lighting lies with light emitting diodes (LEDs) as these use very little energy. LEDs are tiny and, when carefully arranged in a light fitting, will provide the floodlighting we associate with a 'normal' lamp. Although they are starting to appear in some products they are quite expensive at the moment.
Energy performance certificate (EPC)
Energy performance certificates measure how efficiently a property uses energy. They are required by law for any house that is sold or let and are designed to give the prospective owner an idea of how much it will cost to heat and power the property. They will also suggest improvements that could be made to increase the energy efficiency of the property.