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A recent report from the Faculty of Public Health has revealed a high number of deaths in the UK as a direct result of the cold weather. The report said that a higher proportion of the UK's population dies as a result of the cold than in countries with notoriously cold climates such as Finland and Russia.
Winter can be a stressful time as the colder weather and shorter days necessarily involve increased heating and lighting bills that some people may struggle to afford. The winter months can also place an added strain on the environment due to these increases in energy use.
The private sector housing team at North Hertfordshire District Council has compiled a series of hints and ideas on how to keep you warm, cut your fuel bills and help protect your environment over the winter months.
Home Energy-Saving Tips
Light bulbs - If you use any of the lights in your house for more than four hours a day, then you may like to consider fitting an energy-saving lightbulb in place of the regular bulb. Some people think this is an expensive option with the cost of energy-saving bulbs being slightly higher than that of regular bulbs, but the long-term savings you will make are considerable. Energy-saving lightbulbs use around 25% less electricity than regular bulbs and last up to eight times longer.
Water usage - An enormous amount of water is wasted each day through the unnecessary running of taps. Always remember to put the plug into your sink before you turn on the tap to conserve water. Where possible take showers instead of baths as they use a lot less water and can save you money as you will be using a lot less hot water. If your bathroom doesn't have a shower, you may like to consider purchasing a shower attachment for your bath. They are relatively low cost and are widely available at DIY and home stores.
Draughts - Draughts can significantly lower the ambient temperature of your home and so you may want to look into ways of eliminating any draughts you may have. The more expensive options include replacing single-glazed windows with double-glazing, but this is not always an option. Low cost solutions include making sure your letter box has a good seal, using draught excluders at the bottom of doors, making sure you keep doors closed between rooms and closing curtains once the sun has gone down to keep the heat in.
Home Repair Assistance Grant
Home Repair Assistance grants are available from North Hertfordshire District Council for assistance with work such as loft insulation and cavity wall insulation.
More information
For more energy saving advice, telephone the Council on 01462 474267 / 474542 or Beds and Herts Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 0800 512012.
A number of other organisations also provide useful advice and resources, including the following:
- The Energy Saving Trust provides practical information about saving energy and money in your home, including a database of grants and offers that might be available to you. Call 0800 512 012 to talk to your local advice centre.
- Warm Front is a government funded initiative which provides grants for insulation and heating improvements to households on certain benefits. The Warm Front team can be contacted on 0800 316 2805
- Home Energy Efficiency Scheme - 0800 952 1555
- Energy Efficiency Hotline - 0845 727 7200
- Warmer Homes, Greener Herts discount insulation scheme - 0800 783 2503
