EcoLocker is set up to keep you informed about renewable energy products and services and then to put you in touch with the right team for your install. Read our user friendly and informative information pages to find out about renewable energy technologies that could help you lower your carbon footprint and save you money. Here we offer a couple of widely applicable tips to help cut your energy costs.
Get free Insulation:
Before selecting a renewable energy system for your home or business we recommend that you first ensure that your property is fully insulated. Insulating your home or workplace can significantly reduce bills. Loft insulation for a typical UK home can save you up to £175 a year according to the Energy Saving Trust. Cavity wall insulation adds a further saving of £135 a year! The Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) is the Government target given to all large energy providers to reduce carbon emissions by improving the energy efficiency of homes in Britain. It is the largest initiative of its kind and even middle / high-income households can take advantage. British gas is offering free insulation worth up to £1000 to all households regardless of their energy supplier. This deal is only available until the end of November and homes have to meet certain criteria to be applicable. Government grants of up to £3500 are also available to those on or below the poverty line. The warm front scheme pays a company to improve insulation on your loft, cavity walls and hot water tank. To qualify you must receive pension credit with your state pension, have an income below £15,860 and receive Child Tax Credit or Working Tax credits, or claim income support. Click here for more information on Insulation.
Replacing your boiler:
Boilers account for around 55% of our home’s energy bills a year so finding an efficient one or replacing an old one can really help cut your energy costs. If your boiler is more than 15 years old then simply replacing it for an A-rated condensing boiler and improving your heating controls will significantly cut your home’s carbon dioxide emissions and could save you up to £310 a year. Upgrading to a new A-rated boiler could save you £237 a year according to the comparison website USwitch. So with an initial cost in the region of £1800-£2400 it would take between 7.5 and 10.5 years to cover your investment. Free Boilers are available via the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) – Affordable Warmth boiler grant scheme. This scheme is only available to pensioners or senior citizens who receive either State Pension Credits or Working Tax Credits (and are over 60 y/a). Alternatively you might want to look into Biomass boilers. This type of boiler typically burns wood in the form of wood chips or pellets (see our Biomass Boiler Information pages HERE). They are however, more suited to buildings that aren’t on mains gas and that have space for the storage of fuel.
Take the home energy check at the Energy Saving Trust to find out the overall energy efficiency of your home, and the carbon emissions you produce. http://hec.est.org.uk/
