Three measures could help cash - strapped Brits cut home energy bills

Thursday, 15 December 2011

Latest research from the Energy Saving Trust reveals that UK householders could save just over £2 billion every year by taking three energy saving steps.

If every UK householder that could, insulated their cavity walls and lofts up to 270mm, replaced old fashioned bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and turned their appliances off standby, owners would not only save hundreds of pounds a year on their fuel bills but also cut nearly 10 million tonnes of CO2, equivalent to taking almost 3.5 million cars off UK roads.

The study of more than 2200 UK householders – released to mark the start of this year’s Energy Saving Week (25 to 31 October) – reveals the shift in attitude the financial downturn is making on homeowners’ approach to energy efficiency.

Of those questioned, more than half (55 per cent) are using less energy than a year ago in a bid to save money. Over a third (36 per cent) would now consider a home survey to see if renewable energy could be installed in their property. And four in 10 (42 per cent) would pay more to do up
their dwelling if it made their home more energy efficient.

Philip Sellwood, chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust, said: “There is no getting away from the fact that the UK is facing challenging economic times. But it is also clear that this hardship is making people think more carefully about what they are spending their money on.

”Investing in energy efficient technologies like loft or cavity wall insulation is an invaluable way to ensure that we can add value to our home, keep bills down and unlike décor will never go out of fashion.”

The news follows the findings of a recent survey by the Energy Saving Trust – released earlier this month – which found that three quarters (74 per cent) of UK householders are looking to cut their fuel bills, citing financial hardship as the main reason.

And belt-tightening is also affecting what househunters are looking for when buying a house. The days of features like double garages or an extra bathroom being the only hot homeselling points are over. Energy efficiency is now high on homeseekers’ wish lists.

Of those surveyed by the Energy Saving Trust, more than half (56 per cent) would be interested in buying a house already fitted with renewable energy.
Nearly two thirds (64 per cent) also believe an energy-efficient home should be worth more when sold because it saves on heating bills, while half (53 per cent) would try to pay less for a home with a poor energy performance certificate.

Sellwood added: “Some might wonder whether the climate is right for moving home, but it is clear that for those who are planning to purchase a new home that energy efficiency is now a key factor in the decision making process.

“Features like double glazing and having at least the minimum levels of loft insulation are something that househunters have come to expect – and they want more.

“These features are no longer the sole preserve of Kevin McCloud and Grand Designs – These days Kirstie and Phil are just as likely to come across them – no matter the location!

“There are over 300 grants and offers available to help pay for cavity wall insulation and loft insulation – you can search our grants and offers database online at the website linked below to see what's available or call your local advice centre free on 0800 512 012.”

Energy Saving Week – now in its fourteenth year – is designed to promote energy saving action among UK householders.

As part of this year’s Energy Saving Week, the Energy Saving Trust is running a series of open-door events offering people across the UK to see at first-hand what an energy efficient home looks like and the difference that it can make.

To find out what can be done during Energy Saving Week, people should call their local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on 0800 512 012 for free impartial advice or visit their website by clicking here.