Saving energy costs and adopting a greener approach to life are priorities for many of us if we are to combat the threat of limited fossil fuel resources and play our part in preventing global warming, before it is too late. But, it is better still if you can achieve those two aims and create a little more space around the home at the same time.
With a focus on how we use energy and by slightly changing our habits, we can easily improve the efficiency of our home environment. There are many different solutions to improving power consumption around the home. Some of them cost only a change in our outlook, whereas other improvements can be expensive to implement. However, help is out there in the form of grants and incentives from the government and utility companies, for those who qualify.
An example of a change of habits that can save money but is free to implement, concerns the use of mobile phone chargers. Most people have at least one mobile phone and by default a mobile phone charger. However, many leave their chargers permanently plugged in, even when their phone is not attached and charging. That uses electricity so by unplugging chargers and indeed, by switching off all electrical appliances rather than leave them in standby you will save even more power.
But, when it comes to creating space and making a positive change to your home’s infrastructure the installation of a new boiler could be the answer. If your boiler is older than 10 years old it is probably inefficient compared to today’s brand new models. A modern boiler will trim almost 40% off your annual heating bill according to research carried out by the Energy Saving Trust (EST), and it can also create more space as new boilers do not require great big water reservoirs to store hot water.
With a combi boiler water is super-heated on demand, so you do not need to store water in a tank and the space previously taken up by it can be re-used in a more positive way. There are warm front grants available for those who qualify, and utility companies have been instructed by the government to encourage the installation of more energy efficient devices, including the latest boilers. As a result power companies are offering a raft of benefits including free boiler servicing for a five years. In addition, a new boiler could also save you around £275 per year, depending upon your current consumption. So, as well as saving cash and having more control over your heating costs, you will also create a bit more valuable space.
