Home Energy Efficiency
Top Tips for energy efficiency
Energy efficient installations and available grants
Overview of grant organisations
Climate Change:
What is it?
What is climate change?
The scientific evidence is growing that man-made greenhouse gas emissions are having a noticeable effect on the earth's climate. Globally, the ten hottest years on record have all occurred since the beginning of the 1990s. Current climate models predict that global temperatures could warm from between 1.4 to 5.8oC over the next 100 years, depending on the amounts of greenhouse gases emitted and the sensitivity of the climate system. The social, environmental and economic costs associated with this could be huge.
The greenhouse effect
A balance between energy coming in from the sun in the form of visible radiation (sunlight) and energy constantly being emitted from the surface of the earth to space determines the temperature of the earth. The energy coming in from the sun can pass through the atmosphere almost unchanged and warm the earth, but the infrared radiation emanating from the earth's surface is partly absorbed by some gases in the atmosphere and some of it is re-emitted downwards. This further warms the surface of the earth and the lower atmosphere. The gases that do this naturally are mainly water vapour and carbon dioxide. An analogy is made with the effect of a greenhouse, which allows sunshine to penetrate the glass that in turn keeps the heat in, hence the greenhouse effect.
Without this natural greenhouse effect, the earth would be over 30°C cooler and would be too cold to be habitable. But as greenhouse gas concentrations rise well above their natural levels, the additional warming that will take place could threaten the future sustainability of the planet.
The extent to which changes in temperature over the last 100 years are due to human activities has been studied by looking at patterns of change across the surface of the earth, and vertically through the depth of the atmosphere and the ocean. Climate models predict a characteristic 'fingerprint' pattern of change in response to increasing greenhouse gas concentrations. Statistical analysis shows that this fingerprint can be detected in observed temperature changes, indicating that most of the change, which has occurred can be attributed to human activities. The individual contributions of natural effects, for example, variations in the sun's output and volcanoes, have also been studied. They were found to be unable to account for all of the observed warming. Only when greenhouse gases emitted by human activities are invoked can the observed warming be explained. Borehole measurements worldwide imply a global surface warming of around 1°C during the last 500 years, with about half of this warming occurring in the 20th Century.
Source: DEFRA
How the UK could be affected
New climate change scenarios were launched by Defra in April 2002 (see www.ukcip.org.uk/scenarios). They show that average annual temperatures across the UK may rise by between 2° and 3.5°C by the 2080s, with the degree of warming dependent on future levels of greenhouse gas emissions. In general there will be greater warming in the south and east than in the north and west of the UK (see figure, below). High summer temperatures will become more frequent and very cold winters will become increasingly rare. For example, a very hot August, such as that experienced in 1995 may occur as often as two years in three by the 2080s under the higher emissions scenarios.
It is not just temperatures that will change in the UK, but also rainfall amounts and frequency. Winters will become wetter and summers may become drier across all of the UK (see figure, below). The largest relative changes will be in the south and east where summer precipitation may decline by up to 50 % by the 2080s. Heavy winter precipitation will become more frequent, but the amount of snow could decline by 60% - 90% by the 2080s. In addition, sea levels will continue to rise and could be between 26 and 86 cm above the current level in southeast England by the 2080s. Extreme high water levels, which currently have a 2 % annual probability of occurring, could become 10 to 20 times more frequent at some east coast locations by the 2080s.
Top tips for energy efficiency
Follow these tips and you'll cut your bills, and be kind to the environment too!
- Don't overheat your home - by turning your heating down by just one degree you can reduce your fuel bill by 10 percent!
- If you have a water-filled radiator against an outside wall, attach a reflective panel or kitchen foil to the wall behind it.
- Put a shelf over a radiator to help distribute heat into the room.
- Use a shower instead of a bath - it's five times cheaper!
- Insulate your loft with 250mm (10 inches) of loft insulation.
- Fit a hot water cylinder jacket, and insulate all hot water pipes.
- If you have a hot water cylinder thermostat, don't set it higher than 60 degrees centigrade.
- If you have electric heating, change to Economy 7 and fit a timer to the immersion heater - you can get a tank-full of hot water every morning for half the normal price.
- Put draught proofing on your doors and windows.
- Change to energy-efficient light bulbs - they use a fraction of the electricity of ordinary bulbs and last up to 10 times longer!
Additional Advice
Taking steps to reduce poor energy use and save you money doesn’t have to cost you a lot. Take a look at the no cost, low cost and professional measures that can be effectively carried out.
Click on a subject to take you to the relevant section.
No Cost Measures
TV | Curtains | Lights | Washing M/C | Fridge | Microwave | Pots | Kettle | Tank Stat | Jumper | Boiler Stat
Low Cost Measures
Low Energy Bulbs | Tank Jackets | Dripping Tap | Radiator Foil | Shower | Draught proofing | Room Thermostat | Programmer | Boiler Stat | TRV
Professional Measures
Loft Insulation | Cavity Wall Insulation | Double Glazing | Condensing Boilers | Domestic Appliances
No Cost Measures
§ Switch off the TV at the on/off button. A TV left on stand-by with red light on still uses up to 25% of full power.
§ 
Draw the curtains in the evening when its cold and the heating is on.
§ 
Put aluminium foil behind any radiators fitted to outside walls and save up to £10 a year.
§ Put shelves above radiators.
Possible savings £5 - £10 per year.
§ Keep large items of furniture away from radiators.
§ 
Turn off lights when leaving a room.
§ When you buy something like a washing machine look for the 'energy label' - choose the most efficient model to cut your bills.
§ Use your washing machine sensibly. Wait until you have a full load and select a cool wash cycle of 40°C for most washing.
§ Don't leave the fridge or freezer door open for long periods. Put the fridge and freezer in a cool place. Defrost your freezer regularly, so it doesn't have to work so hard.
§ Use the microwave instead of the cooker when possible and save between £30 - £40 per annum.
§ Choose the right pan for cooking and use a lid.
§ Choose the correct size ring to fit the pan or turn down the heat.
§ In a kettle, only boil as much water as needed.
§ 
Check that the thermostat on your hot water tank is set to about 60°C (140°F)
§ Turn the boiler thermostat down by 1°C and save £15 - £30 a year.
§ Instead of turning up the heating pull on a jumper
Low Cost Measures
§ Low Energy Light Bulbs (CFLs) use about a 1/4 of the electricity that a normal bulb uses, lasts about 8 times as long and will save about £8- £10 per annum.
§ 
A Hot Water Tank Jacket will cost only a few pounds and will save about £20 per annum in water heating costs.
§ Pipe Insulation will save about another £5 -£10 per annum
§ A dripping hot tap can waste as much as a full bath of hot water in just one day - spend a few pence and fix it quickly.
§ Reflective foil behind your radiators will stop the heat going into the wall and reflect it inwards where you want it. A shelf above will also help to push the heat into the room.
§ 
If you haven't got one already, fit a shower- it will use about half the hot water a bath does and will save you about £10 per annum.
§ 
Draught proof doors, windows, letterboxes and even keyholes, and seal gaps around skirting boards and between floorboards.
§ Around doors and windows, save between £10 and £20 per year
§ Between floor and skirting boards save £5 - £10 per year
§ 
Fit a Room Thermostat and set it to between 18°C and 21°C depending on the room it is located in.
§ Fit a Programmer instead of a simple timer. It will allow you to control space heating and water heating separately and will allow several on/off operation each day.
§ Set your boiler thermostat to between 65°C and 75°C
§ 
Set time clocks correctly - save £20 - £25 for each hour reduction in the heating on time. Save approximately £40 - £50 for turning your thermostat down by 1°C.
§ Fit TRVs to every radiator (except in the room where the room thermostat is) and ensure that they face away from the radiator not upright alongside the radiator. Get your money back through savings in 4 to 6 years.
Professional Measures
§ 
Loft Insulation & Pipe Insulation can be installed as a DIY measure but be sure to wear protective clothing and a mask as the materials can irritate the skin. The correct depth of insulation is currently 10" (250mm). Be sure to insulate the cold water tank and to leave the area under the tank uninsulated. Remember too that all water pipes must be insulated to prevent freezing.
§ Cavity Wall Insulation must be carried out professionally and will cost several hundred pounds to carry out. However it will pay for itself within 4 - 9 years and you'll notice the difference to your house immediately.
§ 
Double Glazing is not cost effective as an energy efficiency measure on its own as the savings are not great enough and the capital cost is too high resulting in a payback period in excess of 20 years in most cases. However if you need to replace your windows anyway then a small additional outlay for double glazed units will be well worth while.
§ If your boiler is more than 15 years old or needs to be replaced for any reason consider replacing it with a condensing boiler. Modern Condensing boilers are the most efficient and could save you as much as 30% on your annual heating bill.
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The European Community has introduced a labelling system for domestic appliances to indicate their energy efficiency. So if you're considering buying any new appliances make sure you look out for the Energy Efficiency Rating Label on the appliance. Always try to buy one that is as close to an "A" rating as your budget will allow. An "A" rated appliance could cost as little as half that of a "G" rated to run
Energy Efficient Installations and Available Grants
(Grant offers are subject to funds being available and sometimes subject to survey)
Loft Insulation Reduces heat loss from 25% to 5%. Savings of £60 - £70 HEAT BRIDGEND or HEES Grant for information about grants available |
Active Solar Heating System (to supplement existing hot water system) CLEARSKIES for information about grants available |
Double Glazing Reduces heat loss from 20% to 10%. |
Cavity Wall Insulation Reduces heat loss through the walls from 35% to 10% Typical savings of £80. HEAT BRIDGEND or possibly HEES Grant |
Condensing Boiler Save approximately 30% on running costs compared to an old boiler Cost savings of between £50 and £150 depending on how well insulated your home is. For the local authority scheme Possibly HEES plus Grant . |
Photovoltaic Panels Generation of electricity from sunlight via rooftop panels. Typical installation costs are £7 per Watt of solar power generated, so £12 - £14,000 investment required for a 2 kW system. See www.est.org.uk/solar for information on available grants |
Passive stack ventilators for kitchen and bathrooms Save between £15 and £20 per unit |
For more information about energy efficiency ring (01656) 642862 |
Overview of Grant Organisations HEAT BRIDGEND Cavity wall insulation and loft insulation grants for all households in Bridgend County Borough Tel 0800 0934050 Why not apply for a grant through the ‘Heat Bridgend’ scheme, which is aimed at helping to make homes warmer and reduce fuel bills. All the works are carried out by approved contractors and you don’t have to fill in any paperwork. The council has teamed up with Enact Energy Consultants and SWEB ENERGY to offer all households in Bridgend County Borough a grant of up to £225 to help insulate their lofts and cavity walls. Households with members receiving certain benefits may qualify for free installation. Free quotations will be provided and grants will be paid directly to the contractors so all the householder has to pay is the balance once the work has been finished satisfactorily. Grants subject to limited funding, survey and terms and conditions. Information about the grant scheme has been sent directly to each household within the county borough however if you miss it, you can call 0800 0934050 for more details or visit www.heatproject.co.uk |
CLEARSKIES Renewable energy grants for Solar Thermal Tel 08702 430 930 www.clear-skies.org |
On Benefits?
Want to conserve energy and the environment?
Want to save money?
Why not take up the Home Energy Efficiency Schemes.
The schemes have been developed by the Welsh Assembly Government and the EAGA Partnership.
A host of energy efficiency measures from loft insulation to improving heating systems can be taken up to help you help the environment.
TEL: 0800 316 2815
Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) in Wales
HEES in Wales was introduced in October 2000. Householders may be able to claim a grant of up to £1500 under the scheme, which allows for a range of energy efficiency measures to be carried out. Households will also receive tailored energy efficiency advice, provided by Eaga Partnership's Home Visits team in accordance with the Energy Savings Trust's Code of Practice.
TEL: 0800 316 2815
To qualify you should fit one of the following
criteria:
Householders in receipt of:-
§ Working Tax Credit (household income under £15,050)
Householders with a child under 16 and be in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:
§ Housing Benefit (plus child benefit for a child under 16)
§ Council Tax Benefit (plus child benefit for a child under 16)
§ Child Tax Credit (household income under £15,050)
Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) Plus in Wales
HEES Plus in Wales was introduced in October 2000. Householders over 60, a lone parent family, or those that are sick or disabled may be able to claim a grant of up to £2,700 under the scheme, which allows for a range of energy efficiency measures and may include gas or electric central heating systems. Households will also receive tailored energy efficiency advice, provided by Eaga Partnership's Home Visits team in accordance with the Energy Savings Trust's Code of Practice.
TEL: 0800 316 2815
To qualify you should fit one of the following criteria:
Householders who are 60 or over and receiving:-
§ Minimum Income Guarantee
§ Council Tax Benefit
§ Housing Benefit
Householders who are a lone parent family with a child under the age of 16 who are in receipt of one of the following benefits:-
§ Housing Benefit
§ Council Tax Benefit
§ Working Tax Credit (household income under £15,050)
Householders, with a child under 16 receiving child benefit, receiving:-
§ Housing Benefit (which must include a disability premium)
§ Council Tax Benefit (which must include a disability premium)
§ Working Tax Credit ( household income up to £15,050 and including a disability premium)
§ Disabled Person's Tax Credit
§ Attendance Allowance
§ Disability Living Allowance
§ Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (which must include Constant Attendance Allowance)
§ War Disablement Pension (which must include the mobility supplement or Constant Attendance Allowance)
Useful Web Links
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Association for the Conservation of Energy | |
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Check the efficiency of your chosen boiler. | |
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Central Heating Information Council | |
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The Centre for Alternative Technology | |
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Clear Skies (renewable energy grants) | |
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Information on HEES grants. | |
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The Energy institute | |
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Gas and Electricity consumer watchdog | |
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Energy Savings Trust website with lots of tips on how to save energy | |
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Information on natural fibre insulation | |
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Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change | |
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The UK Meteorological office | |
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The National Energy Foundation | |
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Providing information on technologies and grants for more environmentally friendly vehicles | |
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Information on providers of solar technology and installations | |
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Advice and information on saving energy around your home. | |
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Grants for photovoltaic installations |
- Last Updated: 23/03/2006
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