last updated 10th October 05
by 4ecotips.com

21m homes set to waste energy

A staggering £1.9bn and 17.8m tonnes of CO2 could be wasted as thermostats and electrical heaters are turned on full to heat the 21m UK homes suffering from inadequate insulation this winter.

The new figures released by the Eenrgy Saving Trust to mark the end of Energy Saving Week, are especially worrying in light of recent warnings of a cold winter ahead and price hikes, as it becomes increasingly expensive to keep our homes warm during the cold months.

Philip Sellwood, EST's chief executive says: "Sufficient insulation is the best way to ensure our homes are fully prepared to deal with the cold winter months. With energy tariffs increasingly high, measures such as cavity wall and loft insulation are the best long term solutions to heating your home effectively, and helping to ensure you have a couple of extra pounds in your pocket for Christmas shopping."

One bit of good news is that through the EST's grants database you can search for grants and offers available from government, local authorities and energy suppliers which will mean it's easy and inexpensive to get your home prepared as temperatures begin to drop.

The EST recommends the following measures to help prepare your home for winter:

• Around 33% of the heat lost in your home is through the walls, so insulating them can be the most cost-effective way to save energy in the home. Installing cavity wall insulation can save up to £120 per year from your heating bills.
  
• Laying your loft with 10ins (25cms) of insulation can save around 23% of your home's energy use. An adequate amount of insulation can also save around a quarter of heating costs and up to £170 every year.
  
• Replace boilers over 15 years old with a new energy efficient one. High efficiency condensing boilers are the most energy efficient and can save around a third of annual heating bills.
  
• Logging onto www.saveyour20percent.co.uk and completing the EST's home energy check online will provide further information on how to prepare the home for winter. Alternatively, local Energy Efficiency Advice Centres (EEAC 0800 512 012) provide free and impartial advice on energy efficiency, as well as information on grants available to help implement energy efficient measures.