Taking control of your heating and insulation can be confusing. Here is our quick guide to what you can do to reduce your energy bills.

Heating

Simply turning down your thermostat can save money and energy. If you get to grips with your heating controls you can;

- set the timer so the heating is only on when you need it to be
- if you don't know, ask your landlord or the company who installed the boiler etc
- if you are having anything new installed, make sure that the person installing it shows you how the controls work
- turn your thermostat down by 1 degree (this could save you up to 10% on your bills)

Boilers

If you are replacing your old boiler you could trade it in for up to £400 off the price of a new energy efficiency one through the Boiler Scrappage Scheme.

- over 80% of home energy is used for heating and hot water (an energy efficieny boiler could make a huge difference to your bills)
- when choosing a new boiler make sure there is an Energy Saving Recommended label (this is only used on the most energy efficient products)

Insulation

Half of the heat your house loses will be via the walls and loft. This can be significantly reduced by insulating them. Insulation and darught proofing can cut your energy bill by up to £180 per year.

Loft Insulation

- loft insulation should be 270mm thick, is yours?
- it is easy to install, so easy that you could do it yourself
- adding more layers to bring your insulation to the reccommended 270mm will help reduce the amount of money and energy that escapes through your roof

Cavity Wall Insulation

- can take as little as 3 hours for the average home
- can be installed from the outside

Other Ways

Although walls and roofs are the areas with the largest heat loss, you can make other improvements too.
- installing double glazing can cut heat loss through your windows by half
- you can insulate your hot-water tank
- you could lag your pipes
- you can put draught-proofing strips round windows and doors
- if your home has a cellar space, under-floor insulation can help keep the warmth in

Financial Help


You may qualify to receive financial help if you are making improvements to your home that will help save energu, for example, installing a new boiler or insulation.

- People that can help include;
- The Warm Front Scheme (in England)
- The ACT ON CO2 Helpline

Energy Suppliers also offer various energy saving offers, and you can take up an offer from any company even if they do not supply your gas or electricity.