FXSTD – Alternative Energy Center

By: Adam Singleton
Even before Britain was plunged into its current economic crisis, the focus was already firmly placed on saving energy to avoid paying large utility bills. As the source of most energy currently consumed in the UK is finite, prices for its supply are expected to rise in the future.

Although energy providers have been encouraged to find alternative sources of renewable energy, the speed with which alternative power sources can be developed and brought online is not rapid. So, in the meantime there are many ways that UK householders can make a difference around the home; all of which will have a beneficial impact on their energy bills.

If you have an old, inefficient boiler that should be the first place to start saving. Check whether your energy provider is offering any financial incentives for the replacement of an aged or inefficient boiler, and also whether you may be eligible for any government grants under their warm front scheme. The installation of an A-rated energy efficient boiler could save up to £235 a year on your heating bill, so it will be worth upgrading to such a device. The Energy Savings Trust website would be a good place to start your search for financial assistance as results on the grants available are returned depending upon your postcode, therefore making it very targeted and relevant.

Energy providers are also required to achieve home energy efficiency and have been given targets they must reach by the government. As a result they offer incentives to reduce the cost of installing equipment or making improvements that result in saving energy. In addition to fitting a new boiler this also includes the installation of loft and cavity wall insulation. Recent research estimates that the amount of heat lost through walls and a dwelling’s roof is almost 50% of the total generated in the home. By simply ensuring a property’s walls and roof are insulated to modern EEC approved standards means that heating bills can be significantly reduced.

For example, someone paying an average heating bill could save up to £150 per year by installing loft insulation to the recommended depth of 270 mm and cavity wall insulation could add further savings of £115 per year, dependent upon the build type of your property.

But, although those monetary savings are impressive it is not just your wallet that will feel the benefit of insulation, the planet will too. By consuming less energy you will reduce your carbon footprint and lessen the detrimental impact your family has on the earth - surely a good enough reason to get fully insulated, if your house isn’t already!