The most effective measures -

Loft insulation: Homes lose 25 per cent of their heat through the roof so installing insulation of the recommended 270mm depth or more will reduce your heating bills significantly. Fitting insulation can cost as little as 250 and there are plenty of offers and government incentives about so you could even get it for free!

Cavity wall insulation: House lose a third of their heat through walls and installing cavity wall insulation could save you up to 115 a year on energy bills and cut reduce your carbon footprint. It only takes a couple of hours to install and is easily done. Solid walls can also be insulated.

Draught excluders: Installing draught excluders where there are gaps under or around doors is an easy way to save up to 20 a year on energy bills.

Double glazing: double glazed windows are essential for maximum heat retention.

Upgrading your boiler: Heating people’s homes accounts for 14 per cent of Britain’s CO2 emissions and installing a more efficient heating system is an effective method of both reducing household energy bills and decreasing your carbon emissions. By upgrading an old G-rated boiler to an A-rated one, on average, a heating bill will fall by around 235 a year and carbon reductions will be reduced due to its fuel efficiency.

Some simple tips to save money straight away -

Switch off: Switching off appliances at the mains when not being used can save you up to 30 a year.

Boil what you need: When using the kettle or cooking, only boil as much water as necessary and you could save up to 25 a year.

Dry clothes outside: When the weather is nice hang your clothes out to dry! Also try and wash at 30 degrees to save both energy and money.

Quick showers: Cut your water usage in half by taking quick showers instead of long baths.

Turn down the heat: Turning the thermostat down by just 1 degree in winter months will cut carbon emissions and could reduce your fuel bills by up to 10 per cent.

Close your curtains: Closing your curtains to reduce heat loss and will save money on your energy bills.

Green information and advice from upvc windows specialist: Safestyle UK.

Author: James H Hunt
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Smiling shark