INSULATION

Emphasis must be on Energy Efficiency Improvement

2011-06-28T02:51:00.000-07:00

The government needs to educate people in the ways in which they can improve their home's energy efficiency, such as installing loft insulation.

This is according to Andrew Leech, director of the National Home Improvement Council.

He said that the government will fail to meet its carbon emission reduction targets if it does not manage to encourage more people to make energy efficient changes in their properties.

"The government has got to do a lot more in educating the homeowner to improve their property in order to meet the standard that the Green Deal requires, but it is going to cost money," Mr Leech added.

His comments follow the Department of Energy and Climate Change's announcement of the Green Deal Code, which aims to prevent consumers from getting ripped off by insulation installers and those doing other energy efficiency work.

Mr Leech said that there are some energy efficiency-improving projects that homeowners can do themselves in order to save money.

Knauf Insulation provides sustainable insulation solutions for loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and solid wall insulation.

'Avoid the winter rush' with Loft Insulation

2011-06-28T02:45:00.000-07:00

People can avoid the "winter rush" for loft insulation if they install the energy-efficient measure in their homes now, one expert has pointed out.

That is the opinion of Bev Coombe, membership and communications manager for the National Insulation Association, who noted that recent government statistics reveal that at least 40 per cent of lofts and cavity walls are currently without insulation.

"We urge consumers to act now, rather than wait for the winter rush to ensure they take immediate advantage of reduced fuel bills," she explained.

Another major benefit for householders is that it improves their Energy Performance Certificate rating, the expert noted.

This is particularly important if people are thinking of selling or renting their property, as buyers and tenants are currently looking for the most energy-efficient homes possible, Ms Coombe noted.

Recently, Hayley Jones, web marketing director for UK Energy Saving, said that cavity wall insulation could be particularly beneficial to people who live in rural homes as it can slash energy bills considerably.

Knauf Insulation provides sustainable insulation solutions for loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and solid wall insulation.

Lets be Green!

2009-07-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

News Source: manchestereveningnews

THE credit crunch appears to have convinced people that continuing to be green is going to cost them the earth.Last October, according to a Mintel survey, a quarter of people said that they would like to be more environmentally friendly, but couldn't afford to be.

However, Which?

Money research proves that now is the perfect time to take action, as many changes could save you hundreds of pounds.There are a great deal of simple things you can do, many free of charge, which can make a big difference to both your wallet and the environment.

Over the next four pages, we look at ways to make your life more environmentally friendly and save money in three areas – your home, your transport and your lifestyle. We've also included a useful guide to how much the project will cost and the potential payback.

Your home
If you concentrate on running your heating efficiently, fully insulating your home and conserving energy and water, you could save as much as £950 a year.

Your car
If you can't afford a hybrid car, don't worry. Converting to greener fuel such as LPG, more fuel-efficient driving and alternative transport will save you money and cut your carbon footprint.(More details further down this page...)

Your life
Most changes you can make to your lifestyle are free – such as recycling more often or composting your waste, and can make a difference to your pocket and the environment.Don't let tough financial times put a stop to your efforts to be environmentally friendly. Lots of changes we've suggested cost less than £25 and some are even free.

Boiler switch
Old boilers work at around 55 to 75 per cent efficiency, whereas modern condensing boilers work at around 90 per cent, using less fuel and costing less to run. Replacing your old boiler with a condensing one could save you between £160 and £360 on your heating bills each year, depending on the size of your house.But new boilers cost from around £800 to £2,000 – so it could be several years before you get a return on your investment.

Heating controls
A programmer, room thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves will let you take control of your heating. It costs around £200 to buy all those. But you'll save around £105 a year on your heating bills, so payback is quick. Also, turn your thermostat down by 10C. It costs nothing and could save you £40 a year.

DIY draught proofing
This is cheap, easy and cost-effective. Stop cold draughts, for example, by fitting brushes to letterboxes or the bottom of doors, and filling gaps between the skirting boards and the floor with wood moulding or flexible silicon sealant. It might cost you up to £90 for materials, but you'll save £30 a year on your heating bills.

Loft insulation
In our survey, 97 per cent of members with a loft had loft insulation, although it tends to be less than the recommended 270mm thick. Insulating your roof – or topping up existing insulation – could save you up to £205 per year.

Cavity wall insulation
Two thirds of members we surveyed with cavity walls have them insulated. But it's a worthwhile investment and could save you around £160 a year on your heating bills. You need a professional to do this job. Contact the Energy Saving Trust for details on grants. Low-flow shower Fitting a low-flow shower head is one of the most effective ways to save water in your home as it uses up to 70 per cent less water than a standard one. And if you have a water meter, it will also save you money.To find out if a low-flow shower will benefit you, put a two-litre container on the shower floor. With the water on full, count how many seconds it takes to fill up. If it takes fewer than 12 seconds, a low-flow shower will save you money. They are not compatible with electric showers.

Toilet tips
Flushing an old loo uses up to 13 litres of water. Fitting a cistern displacement device – such as a *hippo' or *save-a-flush' – will save about one litre per flush. If you are buying a new loo, get one with a dual flush – these are very efficient, using only up to six litres per flush. Many water companies offer free cistern displacement devices. Contact your water company for more details.

Energy-saving light bulbs
We found that 93 per cent of members have energy-saving bulbs at home but only 21 per cent use them in all their lights. They use far less electricity than standard bulbs and last up to 10 times as long. Fit all the lights in your house with energy-saving bulbs, and you could save around £50 a year. Contact your electricity supplier to ask about free energy saving light bulbs – many have free samples to give away.

YOUR CAR
There are numerous ways to cut your travel costs and your carbon emissions at the same time. Some, such as buying an eco-friendly car, will only be worthwhile if you were looking for something new in the first place. However, simple changes to the way you drive cost you nothing and could save you money.

Greener driving
The way that you drive can affect how much fuel you use. Eco-driving can save you money on your fuel bills and reduce carbon emissions too.
1) Cut your speed. At 70mph, a car consumes 30% more fuel than at 50mph.
2) Be window-wise. Air con uses fuel, so turn it off at lower speeds and open the windows instead. At higher speeds, open windows cause drag, so close them up again.
3) No sudden braking (unless you're in an emergency, of course). If you need to stop, lift your foot off the accelerator early and let the engine slow the car.
4) Lower revs. Try not to rev the engine above 2,500rpm (petrol) or 2,000rpm (diesel). The higher the revs, the more fuel you use.
5) Steady speed. The steadier your speed, the lower your fuel consumption. So avoid varying your speed continuously.
6) Accelerate gently Quick getaways from the lights use up lots of fuel. Taking a few seconds longer to accelerate will save you money.

New car
If you'relooking for new wheels, consider buying a *green' car: a hybrid like the Toyota Prius or Honda Civic Hybrid, a diesel, such as Volkswagen's Blue Motion range, or even an electric car.You'll spend less on fuel, pay less for your car tax and reduce your impact on the environment. In a recent Which? Money survey, 46% of members said that they were more likely to buy cars with green claims.

Don't use standby
Some appliances use almost as much electricity on standby as they do when switched on.Only 23% of Which? members always switch appliances off at the power button or the plug when they have finished using them. But this simple step could cut an average £32 off your annual electricity bill.

Clothes washing
If you normally wash at 40oC, lower the temperature to 30oC.Only 37% of our members say that they usually wash clothes at lower temperatures. But washing at 30oC instead of 40oC will save you between £8 and £18 a year on your energy bills.

Loft conversion 'the number one home improvement' for Brits at the moment

2009-02-21T08:56:00.000-08:00

An expert has observed that loft conversions are the "number one home improvement" for Brits at the moment.While considering converting a loft, homeowners should consider improving their loft insulation to maximise the efficiency of their home and save money on energy bills.

Jason Orme, editor of Homebuilding and Renovating Magazine, is not surprised that Brits have shifted their attention away from moving and towards improving, given the current economic downturn.Regarding space requirements for new parents, he commented that "people's circumstances don't just stop because of the recession".
Mr Orme said: "Loft conversions are slightly easier to do now due to planning regulations."When people look to maximise or even add space they look to add bedrooms and a loft conversion is much easier and cheaper than building an extension."

According to Sainsbury's, an estimated 425,000 loans were taken out for home improvements last year.There was a 53 per cent increase in the number of loans taken out partially or wholly for home improvements from 2007 to 2008.

Earthwool Installation Guide - Step by step

2009-01-27T07:21:00.000-08:00

Step 1
Ensure that the first layer of Earthwool is the same thickness as the ceiling joists and roll out from the roof tiles to the centre of the loft. More

Step 2
When space along the joists is filled, the end of the roll be turned back to start an extra layer of insulation or may be cut to size.More

Step 3
Layer insulation to the required thickness
ensuring the ceiling beneath is completely
covered except directly under the water tank.More

Step 4
The Second Layer of Earthwool is laid at right angles
to the ceiling joists, with all the edges
butted togetherMore

PayBack Statistics for Loft Insulation

2009-01-27T03:03:00.000-08:00

	With no existing Insulation	With 50-270mm Insulation already
Cost to DIY	From £205	Around £60
Payback to DIY	From 2 years	Around 4 years
CO₂ Savings	Around 1 tonne	Around 300kg

Remember that installing loft insulation is as important in the summer months as in the winter. A well insulated loft works to keep the house cool in the summer as so cuts down on any bills by taking away the need for fans and air conditioning.

Please note that statistics are correct as of January 2009.

HIPs assessors !

2009-01-26T08:17:00.000-08:00

Question:

I'm selling my house and have got someone coming round to do a HIPs assessment next week - what should I expect?

Answer:

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are a crucial part of the Home Information Pack assessment, which all houses on the market are now legally required to have. They tell you how energy efficient a home is on a scale of A-G, similar to white goods, with the most energy efficient homes (which in turn should have the lowest fuel bills) in band A.

The Assessor will inspect all your heating appliances and will assess how much installed insulation you have in your home, which means for instance that they'll have to look in the loft and take a measurement of the insulation up there. The inspection can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour.

The EPC will include recommendations on ways to improve a property's energy efficiency, saving you money and helping the environment. You may not realise it, but installing loft insulation, for example, is the quickest and easiest way to improve a home's energy efficiency, and can save an impressive £155 a year on energy bills. Insulating the walls and roof of the average home can improve a property's score on the Energy Performance Certificate by up to 19 points. If the loft already has a basic level of 100mm of insulation then the improvement could still be as high as 10 points.

Check out www.thinkinsulation.com for more information.

INSULATION MYTHS AND FACTS

2009-01-26T08:06:00.000-08:00

IS YOUR HOME WRAPPED UP WARM?

Properly insulating a building can save energy, money and the environment - and yet many homes are under-insulated, meaning that heat and money are literally disappearing into thin air! But, for those who need more convincing, thinkinsulation.com clarifies some of the common myths surrounding home insulation.

Myth 1: Loft insulation of 4-5 inches thick is sufficient

Fact: Loft insulation is widely regarded as one of the most effective ways to save energy in the home. The Government recommends a depth of 270mm (10 inches) of insulation in order to get the maximum benefit. Installing the insulation yourself is easy and can be done in two to three hours. It will cost around £250 for an average house and can be purchased from local DIY stores. Products such as Earthwool and Space Combi-Roll are made from recycled glass bottles, so are both environmentally friendly and Earth Blanket and Space Blanket are encapsulated to make them easy to handle. There is an ideal insulation solution for every home - visit www.thinkinsulation.com for help and advice in choosing the perfect product.

Myth 2: Businesses produce most of the carbon emissions so there is little that homeowners can do

Fact: According to thinkinsulation.com, our homes are one of the biggest culprits for increasing our carbon footprints. If every home in the UK installed the recommended amount of cavity wall and loft insulation CO2 emissions would be cut by 10.8 million tonnes. Nearly half of all the heat lost in an average home is through the roof and walls and is enough to heat around 2.2 million homes a year. If every house in the UK simply had the recommended amount of loft insulation installed, they could each save £155 every year on energy bills - or £3.2 billion as a nation!

Myth 3: Cavity wall insulation is expensive

Fact: Installing cavity wall insulation will save energy, money and help the environment. It's actually one of the most cost-effective measures that can be taken. For an average house, installing cavity wall insulation will cost around £500, but there are many grants available that can help reduce this - for further information visit www.thinkinsulation.com. Once the walls have been filled, a saving of about £120 can be made each year on heating bills alone.

Myth 4: Cavity wall insulation involves major building work

Fact: Getting walls insulated couldn't be easier. It can normally be injected from the outside through small holes drilled in the wall by approved installers. The material is then piped through these holes, filling the cavity to make a perfect match with the existing wall. It's a simple process and is normally completed within three hours, without damage or mess to the house or garden.

For more great energy saving tips, visit www.thinkinsulation.com.

Energy Efficiency is the answer to the Global Warming

2009-01-26T07:54:00.000-08:00

Using less energy is the easiest and quickest way of reducing global warming in the future.

We have put together some simple tips to show how you can cut the amount of energy you use without it costing you a penny, as well as some, low cost actions you can take which will pay for themselves in little or no time.

For instance, did you know that the quickest and most cost effective way of improving your energy efficiency is by installing insulation? Insulation made with recycled glass (glasswool) is particularly environmentally friendly - and insulation requires no maintenance and will provide year after year, performing as good as the day it was installed. That’s why so much of this site is dedicated to different ways to improve your home’s insulation.

How to improve Energy Efficiency?

Turn down your central heating by 1°C

It could cut your heating bills by up to 10%. If you feel it’s too cold, just pop on an extra layer of clothing like a T shirt under a shirt or a jumper or cardigan.

Don’t leave appliances on standby.

How often do you leave the TV on standby when you go to bed? That TV, DVD player, HiFi, video recorder are all munching electricity - so turn them off.

Unplug mobile phone chargers.

It’s handy to leave your mobile phone charger plugged into the wall, but if its switched on even without the phone attached it will be using electricity.

Set your hot water to 60°C.

For most people, setting the cylinder thermostat at 60°C/140°F is fine for bathing and washing.

Don’t overfill your kettle.

It’s easy to over fill a kettle, but try and only boil the amount of water you need (Always remember to ensure you boil the minimum amount for the safe use of the kettle - see your kettle’s user guide if in doubt).

Turn off lights when you leave the room.

Always turn lights off when you leave a room and adjust your curtains or blinds to let in as much light as possible during the day.

Use economy mode on the dishwasher and 30°C to wash your clothes.

Try and use low temperature programmes, and ensure you wash full loads.

Draw the curtains.

Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows - even in rooms you’re not using.

Take a shower not a bath.

Water requires a lot of energy to heat it up, and a typical shower uses just 20% of the hot water a bath uses.

Put a plug in it!.

Always put the plug in your basin or sink. Leaving hot water taps running with it removed is akin to washing money down the plughole.

Cheap insulation for every home in Britain - but energy giants escape windfall tax

2008-09-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

news source : thisislondon

Every household in Britain is to be offered cheap deals on a range of measures to save energy and cut fuel bills.

Pensioners and the poorest families will have wider access to free loft and wall insulation, draught-proofing, heating systems and double-glazing.
And, in a surprise move, Gordon Brown will also announce today that discounts will be available to any homeowners who wish to apply, regardless of income.
Ministers have secured an extra £800million for energy efficiency measures from the ‘big six’ power giants in return for not hitting them with a windfall tax.

The package will focus on two existing programmes - Warm Front, where pensioners and those on some benefits can get heating and insulation improvements, and the carbon emissions reduction target (CERT), where utility firms pay towards energy-saving schemes in homes.
Around four million poorest households will be eligible for free loft and cavity wall insulation, modern central heating systems and lagging for hot water tanks.
Almost 20million more will be able to claim discounts for the same measures and also receive items such as cheap energy efficient lightbulbs. Grants would not be meanstested, sources said last night.
The major energy suppliers - Centrica, EDF, Scottish Power, Scottish and Southern, E.ON and npower - have agreed to increase their contributions to the CERT scheme by 20 per cent over the next three years. There may also be cash from power generators Drax, British Energy and International Power for the first time.

Mr Brown insisted yesterday that the measures would give people the chance to cut their bills every year rather than one-off help for this winter.
But his £1billion package - part of an autumn fightback - sparked renewed demands for immediate cash help for the worst off and union calls for price caps.

Joe Harris, general secretary of the National Pensioners Convention, said: ‘Energy efficiency schemes won’t help them pay their bills this month and neither will they prevent over 20,000 pensioners dying from the cold this winter.’

Kate Green, chief executive of the Child Poverty Action Group, said: ‘The immediate crisis is in family pockets, not wall cavities.

For more information on Loft and Cavity Wall Insulation visit http://www.thinkinsulation.co.uk

Insulation will pay for itself over years

2008-09-12T06:36:00.000-07:00

The biggest beneficiaries of Gordon Brown’s energy measures look set to be loft laggers, double-glazing installers and other home-insulation specialists. The package offers the prospect of windfalls for the tradesmen and companies that make a living in this growing sector.

But it is a godsend, too, for the poorest households who will have the work done free. The better-off, who may have to contribute, will benefit from lower heating bills.

Loft insulation is a good starting point. It prevents 15 per cent of heat loss through the roof, by trapping heat inside the house. A 270mm layer of insulation costs £500 to install but average savings are £155 a year. DIY insulation costs about £250, with payback after two years.

Insulating cavity walls can save one third of heat loss from a home and reduce bills by 15 per cent or £120 a year. Only homes built after about 1920, however, were constructed with two layers and a cavity. Installation costs are about £500 and payback takes about four years. Older houses can be fitted with solid insulation: either a weatherproof extra external wall or an extra layer of plasterboard inside. External work is expensive. The average cost for insulating a three-bedroomed semi is £4,500. Annual savings will be about £380, so it takes 12 years before payback. Internal insulation works out at about £42 a metre, saving £360 a year.

Double glazing is not to everyone’s taste but can cut heat loss from a room by 50 per cent. Costs vary from £300 to £1,000 a window depending on size. Experts advise starting with windows in rooms that are most expensive to heat. Savings are about £110 a year.

For more information on Loft and Cavity Wall Insulation visit http://www.thinkinsulation.co.uk

France to offer zero-pct loans for home energy efficiency: ministry sources

2008-09-03T03:29:00.000-07:00

PARIS (AFP) - France will offer interest-free loans from next January 1 to encourage energy efficiency in the home, government sources said on Tuesday.
The loans can be used for thermal insulation and heating systems, with a ceiling of 30,000 euros (43,500 dollars), ecology ministry officials said, confirming a report in the financial daily Les Echos.
The measure, whose details have yet to be hammered out, is the latest in a series of initiatives by France to lower its bill for imported energy and its emissions of greenhouse gases.
Previous moves include a bonus system for cars in which taxes are increased or lowered according to the vehicle’s carbon pollution. The system is shortly to be extended to televisions, light bulbs and other household gadgets.
France already offers tax credits of up to 50 percent on the price of new-generation boilers and double-glazing.
For the zero-interest loan, a homeowner would need to apply to a bank for the money needed for the work and reimburse the sum over seven or eight years. The government will pay the bank the interest due on the loan.

At Thinkinsulation you can request for a survey and quote by calling them at 08700 612 216 or by visiting their website http://www.thinkinsulation.co.uk.

Energy efficiency boosts house prices!

2008-09-03T02:59:00.000-07:00

Energy efficient measures such as loft insulation and cavity wall insulation which improve a home’s performance are believed by many to improve the saleability of a home.
A study by the Energy Saving Trust revealed that half of UK homeowners believe homes with greener features are easier to sell.
Even as the property market becomes stagnant, the EST survey revealed that 56 per cent of householders would be willing to pay extra for homes equipped with energy efficiency measures.
The survey showed that home buyers would be prepared to pay on average £3,350 for a ‘green home’.
However, respondents expressed their frustration with real estate agents, with 56 per cent saying that the person tasked with selling their house did not understand energy performance.
Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust comments: “It is really encouraging to see the extent to which green measures have become an integral factor when buying and selling houses.
“In the current economic climate, it makes sense to ensure that the running costs of the home you are living in or buying are as low as possible as well as helping to cut down on your carbon dioxide emissions.”
Nearly three quarters of homeowners also expressed their concern that a poor rating on their energy performance certificate could give the buyer leverage with which to haggle down the price.
The National Association of Estate Agents, however, has criticised the scheme of home information packs, which include an Energy Performance Certificate, as “not fit for [the] purpose”.

Loft Insulation

2008-08-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

Things you need to know about Loft Insulation

How much will loft insulation cost? The cost depends on the size of your house, however, with subsidies, it will usually cost around £250 to install yourself – which can pay for itself in just over 2 years.
How much loft insulation do I need? To meet current Building Regulations you need 270mm of mineral wool insulation. 100mm between the ceiling joists and 170mm laid over the joists.
How do I find out how much loft insulation I have? Simply push a tape measure or ruler down the side of a piece of loft insulation until it hits the plasterboard ceiling and read off the depth.
I have lots of rubbish in my loft. Do I need to clear it out or will the installer do this for me? Yes, you will need to clear the roof of any rubbish or stored objects before the insulation is installed.
I want to use my loft for storage, how can I do that if it is insulated to the depth recommended? Your installer can also lay new, innovative loft boards called Supadeck to provide storage space. click here to view. These are laminated boards made from Polyfoam extruded polystyrene and moisture resistant chipboard designed to be placed on top of the ceiling joists instead of the 170mm mineral wool insulation. You will need a loft hatch which is minimum 600mm x 600mm.
How long does it take professionals to install loft insulation? It takes about 2 hours for an average sized loft.
How long would it take me to insulate my loft? Allow about half a day once you have bought the insulation. Remember - you will need one layer of 100mm between your roof joists if you don't have any insulation, then a second layer of 170mm on top (cross layered) to comply with current building regulations. Measure the area of your loft and look at the packaging label for the area contained in a roll.

Top 10 Free Energy Saving Tips

2008-08-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

news source : http://www.thinkinsulation.co.uk

Here are our top ten energy saving tips – that won’t cost you a penny! But remember, the quickest and most cost effective way of reducing the amount of energy you use is by installing sufficient insulation in your loft and your walls.

Turn down your central heating by 1°C It could cut your heating bills by up to 10%. If you feel it's too cold, just pop on an extra layer of clothing like a T shirt under a shirt or a jumper or cardigan.
Don't leave appliances on standby How often do you leave the TV on standby when you go to bed? That TV, DVD player, HiFi, video recorder are all munching electricity - so turn them off.
Unplug mobile phone chargers It's handy to leave your mobile phone charger plugged into the wall, but if its switched on even without the phone attached it will be using electricity.
Set your hot water to 60°C For most people, setting the cylinder thermostat at 60°C/140°F is fine for bathing and washing.
Don't overfill your kettle It's easy to over fill a kettle, but try and only boil the amount of water you need (Always remember to ensure you boil the minimum amount for the safe use of the kettle - see your kettle's user guide if in doubt).
Turn off lights when you leave the room Always turn lights off when you leave a room and adjust your curtains or blinds to let in as much light as possible during the day.
Use economy mode on the dishwasher and 30°C to wash your clothes Try and use low temperature programmes, and ensure you wash full loads.
Draw the curtains Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows - even in rooms you're not using.
Take a shower not a bath Water requires a lot of energy to heat it up, and a typical shower uses just 20% of the hot water a bath uses.
Put a plug in it! Always put the plug in your basin or sink. Leaving hot water taps running with it removed is akin to washing money down the plughole.

Top 7 Low Cost Measures

2008-08-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

news source : thinkinsulation

The biggest improvements in the energy efficiency of your home are achieved by making a little investment. Most will pay for themselves in only a few years. Here's our top 7:

Cavity Wall Insulation: the single greatest energy saving measure you can make. Save around £90 a year.
Loft Insulation: 270mm thick mineral wool loft insulation. Save up to around £110 a year.
Boiler : replacing an old boiler with a new condensing boiler can cut your annual energy bill by around a third.
Hot water tank: add an insulation jacket.
Replace old appliances: modern appliances use less energy and can save up to £35 a year.
Energy-saving light bulbs: replace conventional bulbs with energy efficient light bulbs. Save around £40 a year.
Install draught excluder: draught strips fixed to badly fitting doors and windows can save £10 - £15 per year. Double glazing can reduce some bills by £40 per year.

How to save money on gas bills and stay warm

2008-07-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

news source: Daily Record

GAS bills could go through the roof for millions of us in the next 10 years.
Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, even say the average annual bill could rise by up to 70 per cent. This means that families could soon be paying around £1000 a year for their gas.
But there are ways and means of keeping your bill to a minimum, so here's our guide to beating the soaring gas costs.
Even people on pre-payment meters can switch and save, as most energy comparison sites can find companies with the cheapest charges.
Some companies have special tariffs for signing-up online.
These can often be at alower rate to the standard tariffs as suppliers pass on the savings from their reduced administration costs.
Money experts also reckon now is a good time to consider a capped tariff.
Martin warned that capped rates are around 10 per cent more expensive than the cheapest tariffs, but said it is a good idea if you are unable to afford further price rises.
In fact, he urges everyone to consider capped tariffs on the back of the latest news about expected rises and recommends that you contact suppliers as soon as possible, as companies are starting to withdraw capped rates in anticipation of price rises.
Companies offer caps of between one and three years and Martin also warned those interested in capping to check if the company will lock you into a one-year deal before you sign up.
Experts also recommend that everybody pays by direct debit where possible, as you can save up to 10 per cent on your bill, as companies are sure you won't default and they earn interest on any overpayments. Having your gas and electricity with the same provider is not necessarily the cheapest option, so always check.
The Energy Saving Trust provides information on those grants available to improve heating, insulation and home improvements, which can have a dramatic impact on fuel bills. It sounds obvious, but using less energy is a simple way to cut your fuel bills, while also doing your bit to save the planet.
Instead of automatically switching on the heating when it gets a bit chilly, opt for putting a sweater on instead and keep throws in the living room so people can wrap themselves up in them when they are watching TV.
Reducing your thermostat by just one degrees can also make a significant difference to the amount of gas you use, and can even reducing gas bills by up to 10 per cent, or around £46 a year.
It even helps to turn your thermostat down whenever you are leaving the house for more than two hours so the heating would be left on.
Have your appliances checked to make sure they are running at their most efficient and not wasting fuel.
High efficiency condensing boilers can save a third on heating bills.
It is also a good idea to check your meter and bill regularly.
Energy suppliers only have to read your meter every two years, which means that your energy bills are based on what they think you might use up.
Make sure you check your own meter on a regular basis and let your supplier know the reading.
Consider how well windows and doors are insulated as otherwise you are just losing the heat.
Even having thick curtains and carpets can help keep heat in, which leads to lower gas bills. And simply insulating your loft could save as much as £180 a year.
Check that your water isn't too hot. The cylinder thermostat should not need to be set higher than 60 deg C/140 deg F.
And dripping taps can waste enough water in a week to fill a bath.
Scottish Gas even say that by putting silver foil behind radiators could save you around £14.50 a year from your gas bill.

If you are thinking of getting Loft Insulation for your loft log on to http://www.thinkinsulation.co.uk and order now!!!

Fylde householders benefit from free energy deal

2008-07-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

news source : The Citizen

Seventeen households have now received free insulation for their homes with more having treatment at a reduced cost thanks to a government initiative around Fylde.
Fylde Low Waste and Energy (FLoWE) and Fylde Borough Council are backing the Home Carbon Saver scheme which offers householders grant funded discounts on loft and cavity wall insulation.
The scheme is operated by Energy Services and is part of the government’s initiative to drive down the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2010.
Over the last month surveyors have been visiting homes in the Park and Central wards of Fylde Borough and carrying out inspections to discover what, if any, improvements can be made to the insulation in the home.
Residents are then given advice on how to access the funding which can see them getting their insulation fitted completely free.
A progress report shows that, between 16 June to the 26 June, 31 households were surveyed, recommended and signed up for insulation.
Houses that were owned by residents over 70 years of age are going to get free loft and/or cavity wall insulation and 14 further households will receive reduced cost measures.
Andrew Loynd, Project Manager of FLoWE said: “It should be noted that all these measures are funded by a national scheme contributed to by all energy utility companies.
"These insulation measures are therefore available to anyone.
"Those who are over 70, no matter what their financial situation, are eligible for free loft and cavity wall insulation.
"Those who are over 60 and on benefits, with children under 16 or pregnant and are on benefits or those on a form of disability benefit are eligible for free loft and cavity wall insulation, draft proofing measures and potentially new heating systems.
"Everyone else can get vastly reduced insulation.
"Everyone could benefit from the savings that good insulation can provide to heating bills.”
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about these grants and details of suitable installers can contact the Lancashire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 0800 512 012 or see www.MyFyldeCred.co.uk.
The scheme in Park and Central wards is set to continue for the next few months so more homes can become energy efficient.

Loft Insulation Guide by Earthwool

2008-06-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

Q1. How much will loft insulation cost?
A1. The cost depends on the size of your house, however, with subsidies, it will usually cost around £250 to install yourself – which can pay for itself in just over 2 years.

Q2. How much loft insulation do I need?
A2. To meet current Building Regulations you need 270mm of mineral wool insulation. 100mm between the ceiling joists and 170mm laid over the joists.

Q3. How do I find out how much loft insulation I have?
A3. Simply push a tape measure or ruler down the side of a piece of loft insulation until it hits the plasterboard ceiling and read off the depth.

Q4. I have lots of rubbish in my loft. Do I need to clear it out or will the installer do this for me?A4. Yes, you will need to clear the roof of any rubbish or stored objects before the insulation is installed.

Q5. I want to use my loft for storage, how can I do that if it is insulated to the depth recommended?
A5. Your installer can also lay new, innovative loft boards called Supadeck to provide storage space. click here to view. These are laminated boards made from Polyfoam extruded polystyrene and moisture resistant chipboard designed to be placed on top of the ceiling joists instead of the 170mm mineral wool insulation. You will need a loft hatch which is minimum 600mm x 600mm.

Q6. How long does it take professionals to install loft insulation?
A6. It takes about 2 hours for an average sized loft.

Q7. How long would it take me to insulate my loft?
A7. Allow about half a day once you have bought the insulation. Remember - you will need one layer of 100mm between your roof joists if you don’t have any insulation, then a second layer of 170mm on top (cross layered) to comply with current building regulations. Measure the area of your loft and look at the packaging label for the area contained in a roll.

Eco homes: Insulation is not sexy, but it keeps the bills down

2008-06-24T01:33:00.000-07:00

news source : http://www.telegraph.co.uk

Every year for the next 40 years, half a million UK homes will need extra insulation, new windows and other energy saving features if we are to fight climate change and fuel poverty. The vast majority of our homes were built decades, if not centuries, ago and leak hot air. Eight-five per cent of these draughty, leaky homes will still be standing in 2050, by which date we must have cut carbon emissions by 80 per cent.

Now it's hard to believe that under the cool new white render and French grey-painted woodwork there lurks a plain little 60s box. The house's energy efficiency rating (nearly a B on the A to G ranking system) makes it better than many new homes.

We believe everyone should do what they can to save energy," says Philippe, whose last major TV project was the docu-soap Nurses. "At the very least, this kind of refurbishment can show how much money people can save on their fuel bills."

Dr Paul Ruyssevelt, acting chair of the Existing Homes Alliance, says: "We aim to drive concerted action to save carbon, create jobs, stimulate new business opportunities and reduce energy bills."
He says the average cost of green-refurbishing a home will be £20,000-£25,000, a large sum but far less than building from scratch.
"Despite all the talk about new homes being 'zero carbon' by 2016, the main focus of reducing emissions from the housing sector will have to be on existing homes," says Andrew Warren, a member of Existing Homes Alliance. "Three million people already struggle with fuel bills, spending more than 10 per cent of their disposable income on keeping warm.
"With fuel costs rising, more people will be in fuel poverty by the winter. Simply raising cold weather payments is not tackling the cause.

"What we need is a properly funded Government refurbishment programme to insulate the nation's homes."
01732 461911 The Energy Saving Trust free helpline: 0800 512012 National Insulation Association: 01525 383 313

To get the quickest n easiest Insulation , order online at http://www.earthwool.co.uk and your order shall be delivered right under your loft hatch!!!

Summer 'is a good time to install insulation'

2008-06-16T05:12:00.000-07:00

news source: http://www.knaufinsulation.co.uk

Summer can be a great time to install insulation, it has been claimed.

According to SmartPlanet.com, installing insulation in the summer months could be a good decision for UK householders.

Although insulation is seen as primarily used to keep heat in, it also manages to keep heat out - which could be beneficial as the summer heat approaches.The website emphasises that it could also have benefits later down the line by maintaining energy efficiency and saving as much as £155 a year on heating bills.

Eco wool is one of the forms of insulation suggested by the news provider. It points out that this is made from recycled plastic bottles, making it a sound environmental investment.

Although the site recommends that an installer should be contacted when fitting insulation, it states: "Some, such as the Eco Wool, are safe to install without protective clothing, so you can leave your goggles, mask and gloves in the tool box.
"A minimum thickness of 270mm has also been advised.According to the Energy Saving Trust, by fitting insulation measuring 270mm thick, some £155 could be saved on energy bills each year.

So why not give it a go before summer comes to an end!! Order now at http://www.earthwool.co.uk/

Go green, save green

2008-06-16T02:37:00.000-07:00

news source : http://www.peninsulaclarion.com

As the price of energy drives the cost of living upward, consumers are looking for ways to save, especially in the home.First and foremost, consider having an energy audit done on your home. It is liable to cost several hundred dollars, but it will be money well spent.

It should give you valuable advice about where to start and how to control energy loss from your home.If an audit isn't in your cards, here are some things the FTC Web site recommends.

Starting in the kitchen, consider replacing older appliances with machines designed to be more energy efficient. If new machines aren't in your budget, here are some tips for saving energy with what you have.Is your refrigerator next to the stove, dishwasher or heat vents? It takes energy to resist the heat exchange with the hotter appliance. Move it if you can.While last night's pasta and sauce can look pretty mucky caked on those dishes in the dishwasher, you'll save money by waiting until the washer is full before running it. Two or three meals' worth of plates and glasses should suffice. It takes the same amount of water to clean half a load as a full load.

An extra tip: Don't overload it either.When cooking on the stove top, use pots that fit the burners. Covering pots with lids lets you cook at lower temperatures.Check the household water heater. Some manufacturers preset the temperature as high as 140 degrees, but there's little need for temperatures above 120 degrees. Adjust the dial.Next, consider the clothes washer and dryer. A simple energy saver, often ignored, is matching the water level and temperature settings to the size of the washer load. There's no need to consume a full load's worth or water for just a few items. Also, today's detergents do very well in cold water.Clean the dryer's lint filter each time you add a new load. Periodically, check the exhaust tube, too. If it's clogged, you're wasting energy.Install a ceiling fan to cool you in the summer and distribute heat loitering above your head in the winter. There is something called a "whole house fan," that circulates cool air through the house in summer and vents warm air through the attic.

Start with the insulation. Many older homes were built with too little, according to the FTC. Even if your home is new, it may benefit from an added layer of material. Your costs should be recovered in a few years' time, and the value of the home will increase.

To get started off with your loft Insulation , Earthwool has recently announced remarkable price reduction in loft Insulation.You can get more information on it by visiting http://www.earthwool.co.uk

Buy Insulation Online with Earthwool

2008-06-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

Earthwool loft Insulation is now available at reduced prices.

Earthwool announces significant price reductions on loft insulation. You can order online and it will be delivered straight to your door or loft hatch.

Buy Earthwool natural insulation online. High performance energy saving insulation made with recycled glass bottles available in compression packed for easy handling. Install it yourself inless than 2 hour. Upgrade your home's energy performance certificate.

Free insulation for Gwynedd homes

2008-06-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

News source : http://www.newswales.co.uk

People in houses where more than ten per cent of household income is spent on energy are to be offered free cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and hot water tank jackets, funded by Gwynedd Council and British Gas.The Here to Help scheme has already targeted private homes in 28 of Gwynedd's wards and Gwynedd Council and British Gas will shortly be offering the scheme to private sector households in the Llanrug, Cwm y Glo and Penisarwaun areas.The scheme will be launched at Llanrug Primary School, on Tuesday June 24 with an exhibition of information.

Earthwool has also introduced tremendous price reductions on Loft Insulation. More info on this can be found on their website http://www.earthwool.co.uk