Around the House - Lighting & Heating

Lighting
The obvious answer to greener living and being eco-friendly with lighting around the home is to use the relatively new 'energy saving light bulbs' which can save you up to 80% of electricity costs!
Plus they can last up to 10 times longer than the existing type.

Some people found the actual appearance of light from these was different and didn't get on with them. But the technology has changed a lot recently and you can even get them with dimmers.

There's a likelihood these bulbs will be compulsory one day, so get used to them now!!

Don't stop at the light bulbs themselves though, look for Fair Trade and eco-friendly light and lamp shades!

Heating
There are countless ways of reducing your electricity bills and thus saving energy.
By turning your thermostat down by just 1 degree, you can save 10% on your fuel bills!
Some newer radiators for central heating have their own thermostats on now allowing you to control the temperature in each room of the house. Why spend money overheating a room you hardly ever use?

Saving on heating energy though has a lot to do with simple discipline; closing the doors behind you. I find wearing an extra jumper quite frugal!!

Insulation
This has been drummed into us for quite a number of years now and I recall selling Loft Insulation and other types as far back as the 70's.

The strange thing is that, materially, it hasn't really changed much, just the awareness and the amount of it.

Loft Insulation
A lot of people think that simply having this installed is going to make their house warmer - wrong. The idea of it is to keep the air, hot or cold, from escaping through their roof.
Both warm and cold air rises, so roof insulation stops 'air', it doesn't warm it, that's impossible.

The recommended thickness of Fibre Glass insulation is now a minimum of 250mm, but the more the merrier.

If you use loose chip insulation, make sure it doesn't move around through draughts.

Over 40% of your home heat loss 'goes through the roof'

Cavity Wall Insulation
A more recent introduction of insulation. This is now very popular and will not only make your home more eco-friendly, but buyer friendly.
Wall insulation will greatly reduce condensation and this in turn usually means less decorating around the home as well.
When deciding upon having this done, make sure you get a few quotes as it is a highly competitive market. Ask questions of the Company and assure yourself you're using the right man for the right job.

Double Glazing
The bigger the gap between the two pieces of glass, the better the insulation value. I won't delve on this one, as there's so much out there and ample people selling it!
Low E glass has better insulation qualities and reflects the heat away better during the summer month's.

Other Insulation
It's not so good when you've spent all that money making your heating more energy efficient and you've a half inch gap going up an external door. Check out they are all good and if not, fix with tapes, strips or other.
If you're considering new Double Glazing, try and get the door done for nothing!!