ENERGY SAVING TIPS

PV panels are fitted externally to your house and generate electricity for your home. This can benefit you by reducing the amount of energy you purchase or by selling back electricity to the national grid network. It is a low maintenance solution and the manufacturer guarantees the equipment for 25 years. A registered MCS installer must install a PV system in order for you to benefit from the Feed in Tariffs (FIT).

As a registered MCS installer we can easily install this equipment.

The voltage coming into your property from your main supply will typically be 245V. Your appliances can work more effectively at a lower voltage and by fitting a Voltage Reducer you can cut your electricity bills and decrease your carbon footprint. As a NICEIC contractor we can easily install this equipment.

Exchanging your old boiler for a new energy efficient condensing boiler can save you about £225 per year. Condensing boilers are often more compact and can give space savings as well. Reducing your room thermostat by one degree can save around 10% on fuel bills.

Exchanging your inefficient kitchen taps and showerheads for reduced flow models – decreases the amount of water flowing from the tap and the amount of water you have to heat.

Compact Florescent lights (CFL) use much less than incandescent globes or halogen downlights. Compact Florescent lights can replace incandescent globes that are not on dimmer circuits. It’s OK to turn off fluorescent lights when you leave the room – even if only for a few minutes – it is saving energy.

LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are best employed as downlighters. They are effective and directional, which means you can direct light to where it is needed. They also work on dimmer switches which can set a “mood” for a room or area.

Calculating cost of ownership provides an indication of “real cost” throughout the lifetime of the lighting installation. At the moment LEDs cost more than halogen lamps initially but they significantly reduce energy costs and last much longer, so overall life cycle costs are less.

Appliances such as TVs, Stereos, computers, microwaves, and washing machines can consume considerable energy when on standby. Turn off at the wall when not in use.

Fridges and freezers need space at the top, back and sides to shed excess heat. For appliances with exposed rear coils, vacuum or wipe off dust. Ensure door seals are kept clean and seal well. Locate fridges and freezers in cool spots, away from direct sun and other heat sources such as stoves or under floor heating systems.

Only heat or cool rooms you are currently using. Close doors between rooms and the rest of the house. Wearing warm clothing and heating only when needed can significantly reduce heating costs. Lowering the thermostat for the heating system by one degree can reduce energy use by 10%.

Use special door and window seals or door snakes to block draughts. Seal any gaps around skirting boards and existing air vents. Check that chimneys and extraction fans can be sealed when not in use. The purpose is not to make the house stuffy but to control and be aware of all the ventilation that is letting heat escape. Rooms with unventilated gas heaters must have adequate ventilation to meet health and safety regulations. Be aware of the causes of condensation and strike a balance that reduces energy costs but does not promote mould or dampness.

Heavy lined curtains and pelmets help keep the heat in during the winter and keep out heat on hot summer days. Pelmets (covers over the top of the curtains) are effective at reducing draughts.

By keeping heat inside your property you reduce the amount you have to purchase. Insulation can be quilt in the roof, filling cavities in the external walls or fixing insulated plasterboard to external walls during renovations.

If you are replacing or designing an electric heating system consider energy consumption as a vital factor. System designs have become more efficient and ecological and are fast becoming a major part of the home heating market. These systems have no combustion and so you do not need boilers, pipes, chimneys, liquid fuels etc. The system can be energy optimized to reduce energy consumption while retaining high outputs.