The impact of Climate Change and Energy efficiency is now high on most people’s agenda. The power of the media provides us with up-to-the-minute film footage of whole communities devastated by flooding and stark images of the threat to wildlife. The UK government has a target to cut its CO2 emissions by 20% before 2010 and to do this we all need to improve our energy efficiency.
Making your home more energy efficient should not only reduce energy bills but potentially improve the comfort of your home. In addition, in relation to legal matters, if and when you come to sell your home, you may want to become more energy efficient in order to obtain an improved energy rating,
Energy efficiency is an integral part of the Home Information Pack, (‘HIP’) report which from the 14th December 2007 will apply to all residential property. At present the energy rating may still be of limited interest to most purchasers. Their prime concerns will still be the location of your home and the accommodation provided. However, the energy rating will potentially become increasingly important, especially with rising energy prices.
How can we make savings?
We primarily heat our homes from burning fossil fuels. These contribute to global warming. Put simply, the less energy we use, the less pollution we cause.
The biggest expense, but potentially the greatest saving is if you replace an old boiler. Modern gas boilers use much less energy than boilers of fifteen years ago or more. The cost of replacing your boiler is substantial. The savings, however, are also substantial.
Other savings are less expensive and easier to achieve.
Many people install double-glazing as an energy saving measure. It certainly contributes to keeping your house warm and reduces condensation on windows. Moreover, if you have old double-glazing which has failed and allows condensation to form, you can improve matters by replacing the double-glazed unit.
- Door sealsDraughts can be simply remedied. If you install seals around doors, particularly external doors, you reduce the amount of energy you need to heat the house. This is particularly important at this time of year.
- Energy saving light bulbsEnergy saving light bulbs allegedly last ten times longer than ordinary light bulbs. They are expensive but as they effectively last forever you will overall save money and energy.
- Energy Efficient Appliances When buying white goods you will notice that appliances have an energy rating. Obviously go for “A” rated appliances if possible. These are the most energy efficient.
When you get your washing machine home, try to have a full load before you run the machine. If you can, reduce the temperature of the wash to 40 OC or even 30 OC if your machine will allow it. You will save both time and energy.
New heating controls can save energy. Old-fashioned time clocks which set timings every quarter of an hour are simply not as accurate as new digital time clocks. A modern and precise time switch or programmer allows you to have the heating and the water-heating only when you really need it, down to the last minute. Similarly, room thermostats and radiator thermostats will save money.
- Cavity Wall Insulation Cavity Wall insulation is an expensive proposition but apparently does save energy. If you have solid walls you can clad the interior of them with insulating material when you are re-decorating.
- Comparison Websites When buying gas or electricity there are a number of web-based comparison sites which you should consult. Changing suppliers is relatively easy and foolproof although the company you are leaving might bombard you with mail trying to persuade you to return.
Buyers whose homes score poor energy ratings of F or G (currently around one-fifth) will receive an offer of a discount or free help with energy efficiency measures from the Green Homes Service which is to be established by the government.
The Energy Saving Trust has a useful website www.energysavingtrust.org.uk for further, more detailed information and potential grants, which are available in varying circumstances from local and central government.
If you take some or all of these steps you should manage to improve your energy rating and possibly help yourself achieve a quicker sale. For further information please contact Julian Landy at jl@millersands.com or telephone 01223 202345.
December 2007
Information in this article is intended to be used for guidance purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Detailed specialist advice should be sought before taking any action as a result of the information in this article.
