Why Should I monitor my energy usage?

Heat travels from hot areas to cooler areas. So in cold weather when buildings are warmed up by heating systems and other sources such as PC's, machinery and even the people inside, the heat is continually being lost outside the environment as long as it is warmer inside than out.

The heat loss from a dwelling can be divided into two main categories:

• Fabric heat loss heat loss as it is transmitted through the fabric of the building
• Ventilation heat loss   heat loss through ventilation or draughts.

Around half of heat loss is through the walls and loft. 

Fact: The amount of heat lost in homes annually though un-insulated lofts and cavity walls is enough to pay for 1.7million families gas bills for a year.

Standards of insulation in new housing are considerably higher than they are in older housing. However, properties built before current standards make up by far the largest proportion of the UK housing stock. In order to improve energy efficiency, reduce heating and hot water costs and to reduce CO₂ emissions the fitting of insulation into existing housing stock is essential.

The following are types of insulation:

• Hot water insulation
• Roof insulation
• Wall insulation - both cavity and solid wall
• Draught proofing
• Floor insulation
• Double and secondary glazing.

What Savings Will I Make?

• Loft insulation will save around £145 per year and will save around 730kg of CO₂
• Cavity Wall will save around £110 per year and will save 560kg of CO₂

Boiler Efficiency

You could save up to a third on your annual energy bill by replacing an old boiler for a high efficiency one.  A qualified installer would be able to tell you what kind of boiler would be suitable to heat your home.

More information  

Did you know that grants are available towards insulating your home and that some people are eligible to have the work carried out Free of Charge?

If you do not qualify, the scheme still offers heavily discounted cavity and loft insulation available to all Bassetlaw residents.

Call the Energy Agency on freephone 0800 013 1689 in partnership with Bassetlaw District Council.

The Energy Savings Trust also have an excellent website for all information on energy saving ideas and renewables.

What Kinds of Things Can I do to Save Water and Energy?

By Saving energy and water you will save money and increase the value of your property.

Energy Conservation

Reduce the amount of energy that is needed in your home to support your lifestyle.  This can be done by:

• Following energy savings tips
• Fitting low energy lighting
• Purchasing appliances that use less energy
• Reduce draughts
• Increase insulation levels
• Adding double/triple glazing
• Shading the building
• Making use of natural ventilation

Water Conservation

Reducing water consumption can be achieved by:

• Using water saving devices
• Installing low flush toilets
• Installing low water showers which draws in air to create pressure for a power shower without using electricity for a pump
• using low water washing machines
• Installing compost toilets
• Collect rainwater and use it to water the garden
• Collect grey water (it is waste water from sinks, baths and showers) and recycle it to flush toilets.

Energy Generation

Direct Generation of heat

• Efficient boilers (80% efficiency minimum)
• Wood burning boilers (renewable fuel)
• Heat pumps - heat generated from the earth
• Solar water heaters - using the sun to heat water

Direct Generation of electricity

• Combined heat and power boilers - using the steam from heat generation to make power
• Solar panels - using the sun's energy
• Wind turbines - using wind's energy

Home Appliances

The running costs of all your home appliances can soon add up.  Being aware of what your appliances are using will help you monitor your usage.  By saving only 1p per hour you would save £85 in a year.