Save money on your fuel bills with these energy saving tips ...
Although UK energy bills have been rising, you could actually save money by using energy more efficiently throughout your home.
Most of us are not used to thinking about how we use the energy that powers our homes. But simple changes to your daily habits can have a huge effect on the gas and electricity bills that drop through your door.
The energy saving tips and information on this site are designed to help you control the impact of rising energy bills without effecting your lifestyle.
The key is to see your home differently
The key to making big savings on your home energy bills is to view your home as a living energy system with individual parts that affect each other.
For example, if you install energy efficient double glazed windows and loft insulation, when it's time to replace your boiler and heating system, you may be able to manage with a smaller one that costs less, because the windows and walls will retain the heated air inside better than a home without efficient windows and insulation. And because heating makes up the majority of your energy bills, you'll save the most money by reducing your heating needs.
Applying energy saving improvements in your home will not only make your home more comfortable, but can also deliver long-term financial rewards. Permanently lower energy bills will more than make up for the higher cost of installing energy efficient appliances and improvements.
Free home energy audit
Lewisham Council have purchased a number of green packages from the Green Concierge Service, a scheme developed by Ten Lifestyle Management Ltd and the London Development Agency.
The packages include an environmental audit of your property (owned/rented (with the landlord's permission), a report and a year's guidance on the practicalities of obtaining grants, the best suppliers, quotes and products.
The service which usually costs £199 is free to a limited number of Lewisham residents, there are only a small number of packages left and it works on a first come first served basis so if you are interested I would phone/email Green Homes Concierge asap, quoting Lewisham Council. The initial audit takes approximately 3 hours and can be carried out am/pm Mon-Sat.
Please see the following links for more details:
http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/NewsAndEvents/News/KeepWarmThisWinter.htm
http://www.greenhomesconcierge.co.uk/
The first link also provides information on how to loan a 'smart meter' from Lewisham libraries... in case you don't know what a 'smart meter' is, it is a device which shows exactly how much electricity is being used and what it's costing you.
How much can you save on your home energy bills?
It's easy to start saving energy right now and you don't have to spend any money to reduce your energy bills. Applying our no-cost energy saving tips around your home can save you hundreds of pounds a year.
As well as changing your daily energy habits, you can also install energy efficient products and appliances around your home. These efficient products don't always cost more than inefficient ones but will use less energy so are cheaper to maintain and run.
Energy Saving Light Bulbs
Save £5-£10 per year / cost recovered in 6 months
Hot Water Tank Insulation
Save £10 per year / cost recovered in 1 year
Draught Proofing
Save £35 per year / cost recovered in 3 years
Heating Controls
Save £50 per year / cost recovered in 2-5 years
Double Glazed Windows
Save £40 per year / cost recovered in 5 years
Loft Insulation
Save £80-£100 per year / cost recovered in 2-6 years
Cavity Wall Insulation
Save £130 per year / cost recovered in 3 years
Replace Old Boiler
Save £120-£200 per year / cost recovered in 4-5 years
Where to get free home energy saving advice
If you have any questions about saving energy at home, your energy supplier may be able to offer you free advice, information packs and discounts on energy saving products. You can also contact the Energy Saving Trust which offers free and impartial advice via their local Advice Centres on 0800 512012. Please note that this website is not affiliated with any of these companies or organisations.