Ways to improve your Energy Efficiency Rating

If you wish to have an Energy Assessment on your property and want to ensure that you get the best possible rating, there are things you can do now:

• Fit energy saving light bulbs - These last up to 12 times longer and use around 80 per cent less energy than traditional filament bulbs.
• Fit a thick hot water tank jacket - These cost from around £10, and can cut heat loss by around 75 per cent.
• Fit or top up your loft insulation - Fitting insulation that is at least 250mm thick could cut heat loss by around 30 per cent.
• Install cavity wall insulation - If you have unfilled cavity walls, installing insulation could cut heat loss by over 30 per cent.

In terms of saving energy and reducing your carbon emissions, upgrading loft insulation and insulating cavity walls have the greatest effect in relation to the financial outlays.

A new system to help homebuyers get green grants worth hundreds of pounds was announced on 1 August 2007, linked to the introduction of Home Information Packs and Energy Performance Certificates.

Most people are unaware that there are typical grants of £100 to £300 available for loft and cavity wall insulation. The programme is continually expanding so even more home buyers will be able to benefit from hundreds of pounds off insulation.

Measures recommended in the EPC could save the average consumer £300 a year on their fuel bills, according to the Energy Saving Trust - this is particularly relevant given the recent dramatic rises in utilities costs.

It is also worth checking with your local authority, as many councils are running energy saving initiatives with significant financial incentives, and can direct homeowners to insulation installers operating the schemes.
 

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