Energy Efficiency in the Home

Feeling left out in the cold by the boiler scrappage scheme?

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.

North Herts District Council is a member of the Herts & Essex Energy Partnership which consists of all the district and borough councils in Hertfordshire and six councils in neighbouring Essex. The partnership has obtained £6.6 million worth of Government funding through the East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) to promote and install a range of energy efficiency and renewable measures for private homeowners and tenants over a two year period.

The scheme offers

• A grant of £99* towards loft or cavity wall insulation

Grants to cover 50% of the cost of

• Central heating systems
• Solar water heating
• Air source heat pumps
• Solid wall insulation
• And other advanced insulation measures

In addition, those on benefits may also qualify for a number of free measures.  Grants are all subject to the scheme’s improvement programme (based on energy ratings) and a technical survey.

Further details and an enquiry form can be found at Herts and Essex Energy Partnership or phone one of the trained advisors on 0800 980 60 26.

* Subject to technical survey, qualifying criteria and availability of funding.

Feeling left out in the cold by the boiler scrappage scheme?

The Herts Essex Energy Partnership (HEEP) is helping home owners in 15 local authority areas - including North Herts - across Hertfordshire and Essex to keep warm and save money this winter with up to 100% grant* towards a new replacement boiler.

HEEP is a Government-funded and council-approved scheme working to tackle fuel poverty and help improve energy efficiency in homes across Hertfordshire and Essex.

Home owners with a working gas boiler 20 years or older and who are in receipt of a qualifying means tested benefit may be eligible for 100% grant towards a new A - rated boiler.

Replacing your old G - rated boiler with a new A - rated condensing boiler could save you £235** a year on heating bills.

Residents can contact a qualified HEEP advisor on freephone 0800 980 6026 quoting reference HEEP 11 to discuss their individual circumstance and check eligibility

* Subject to technical survey, receipt of qualifying benefit/means tested eligibility, council approval and availability of funding.

** Source: Energy Savings Trust website February 2010.

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.
• Home Energy Efficiency Scheme - 0800 952 1555
• Energy Efficiency Hotline - 0845 727 7200
• Warmer Homes, Greener Herts discount insulation scheme - 0800 783 2503