Home Energy Efficiency

What’s the problem?

Each year the average householder in the UK spends around £620 on fuel and power. That’s about £200 more than they need to. The energy we use to heat our homes can escape through walls, roof, floors, windows and doors if houses are not properly insulated. As well as being a waste of money it also contributes to climate change by increasing the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.

Roofs lose 25% of a house’s heat. By installing the recommended depth (250mm/10”) of loft insulation you could save between £20 and £100 a year depending on whether you top up existing insulation or provide it for the first time.

Walls lose 35% of heat. Homes built after 1930 are likely to have cavity walls. Insulating these could save £70-£100 on fuel bills. Professionally installed, the work will come with a guarantee from the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency.

Heating and Hot water. With energy efficient products you could save up to £140 a year in heating bills. Turning the thermostat down by 1º could cut your heating bills by up to 10% per year.

Lighting. Low energy bulbs use one fifth the energy of a normal bulb and can last up to 12 times longer. They are coming down in price and the more you install the lower your bills will be!

Appliances. If your current appliance is more than ten years old you could save electricity by upgrading to a new, energy efficient model. An ‘A’ rated fridge freezer, for example, saves £35 per year. Look for the Energy Efficiency Recommended logo. The details of running costs, energy rating, etc., should be visible on the appliance. If not, ask the dealer.

What help is there to install measures?

The good news is there are Grants and discount schemes to help install energy-efficiency measures. This is an investment that will pay dividends for owner-occupiers, landlords and tenants alike!

We support the 'Warmfront Scheme' which gives people in receipt of certain benefits grants for energy-saving improvements to their home. You can get more information on this scheme by contacting the following Freephone numbers:

eage partnership 0800 3166011
Devon Energy Advice Centre 0800 512012
or Heat Devon on 0800 7317116.

If you want any other information on energy efficiency measures, please contact us. We may be able to help with grants for some work, such as making a roof hatch to allow insulation to be installed.

Click here to go to the Government grants agency for the Warmfront Scheme.

Click here to go to the Energy Saving Trust.

Click here to go to the Devon Energy Advice Centre website.

Reviewed 9th January 2008

Page last updated on 24 May 2012