Our homes generate a quarter of the UK's CO2 emissions, yet a third of the energy we use is wasted. It's time to act, but what is truly practical and affordable for us to do? And can we save some money while we're at it?
Up to a third of a home's heat can escape through the roof if it's badly insulated. According to the Building Research Establishment, if you were to put down 250mm of insulation in an empty loft, you'd save £70 to £270 a year. The greenest option would be to insulate it with natural, environmentally friendly products. These include Warmcel 100, made from recycled paper; Isonat, made from UK-grown hemp and recycled cotton; and Thermafleece, which comes from UK sheep. You can buy all of them from EnergyWays at www.naturalinsulations.co.uk or call 01920 821069. For more advice on insulation, see Fitting Insulation
Cost: £140+
Return: Two years
Like roofs, walls can also leak up to a third of the heat produced in your home. The government is very keen on cavity wall insulation at the moment, so grab a grant while you can. It takes less than a day to install, there's minimal disruption, and it could save you £130 to £160 a year on fuel bills, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Ideally, opt for eco-friendly Warmcel.
Cost: £260 to £380
Return: Three to five years
Twenty per cent of all heat loss in a typical home is through ventilation and draughts. Obviously, some ventilation is essential, especially if you have solid-fuel or gas fires, but don't forget that wherever you can feel a draught coming in, warm air is going out.
Cost: £40+ if you do it yourself
Return: Six months
Buying New Epuipment
Don't forget to look out for the official energy rating when you're buying a new appliance. 'A' is good, but don't bother if it's less than 'B' or 'C'. It's difficult to cost out the saving, but as an example, an 'A' rated freezer or washing machine will only use a third of the energy of one with a lower rating. Why not check out our guide to some of the best energy efficient appliances around?
Cost: Depends what you buy
Return: Four years
If you're thinking of installing a new one, go for it as soon as possible! 60 per cent of all domestic CO2 emissions come from old boilers. New rules say boilers should have an 'A' efficiency rating, which basically means having a condensing boiler. It may cost a bit more to install (typically £100 to £300 more) but, according to The National Energy Foundation, you could recoup this in four years.
Cost: From £500
Return: Four years
Is your ceiling filled with those pretty little halogen bulbs? Each one uses 50w, while energy-efficient bulbs use up to four times less electricity to generate the same amount of light. Each one will save around £9 on your annual bill.
Cost: £3 to £5 per bulb
Return: Within a year
This will reduce heat loss by half and knock £80 to £100 a year off the average bill. Look for the energy-saving recommended logo, and if money's not a factor, choose Argon-filled triple-glazed timber-framed windows made with low-emissivity glass (look for the 'A' to 'G' energy rating and Forest Stewardship Council certification for the frame). 'If you are on a budget, secondary glazing that fits inside the existing frame is much more cost-effective and can reduce heat loss,' says Sally Oakes from the Centre for Alternative Technology.
Cost: £400 per unit
Return: 20 years+
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