Energy Saving

This is because saving energy means you will pay less on your energy bills.

As well as giving your home a current rating for its energy efficiency and environmental impact, the energy performance certificate will also make recomendations as to how you can improve your home, improve your rating, and thus save money on your energy bills and lessen your environmental impact.

Some of the improvements that can be made in order to save energy are listed below:

• Loft Insulation

  Most homes will have some form of insulation in the loft, usually between the joists. The thicker this is the better. If you only have a small amount, for instance 50mm depth, this should be increased to 250mm plus.

  Did you know - that loft insulation relies upon the air pockets trapped in between the fibres to work effectively. So if you have compressed your loft insulation by boarding it over or piling your loft full of stuff you will have reduced its usefulness.

• Cavity Wall Insulation

  Many homes have been built with cavity walls. Newly built houses, built to current building regulations, are highly thermally efficient. However cavity walls from years gone by are not so good.

  Cavity wall insulation can be injected into the gap between the outer and inner skin of a cavity wall to provide an extra layer of insulation. It can be done externally so there is little mess and no disturbance to yourself.

  Did you know - both cavity wall insulation and loft insulation are relatively cheap and can pay for themselves in a matter of a few years. Not only that but there are many grants available for this type of work so it could be FREE depending upon your circumstances.

• Low Energy Lighting

  They use up to 80 per cent less electricity than a standard bulb, but produce the same amount of light. New technology and new designs mean that modern low energy bulbs can look just like their high energy counterparts.

• Boiler and heating controls

  This one is more expensive and not necesarily cost efficient if you are replacing a perfectly good boiler. However if your old (and therefore less-efficient) boiler is coming to the end of its life give some thought to buying the most energy-efficient modern boiler, even if it costs a few pounds more.

  Not only that, but while the plumber is there ask about heating controls. As well as a programmer for the boiler do you have thermostatic radiator valves on all of your radiators to control the heat output in each room? Do you have room thermostats to control the overall temperature accurately?

  Not only will these improvements save you money but they will also make your life more comfortable.

Home Information Packs (HIPs) - £239

I can supply you with a Home Information Pack from only £239 if you live in the Nottingham or Nottinghamshire areas. There is no extra VAT to pay. Find out more by visiting my home information packs website at HIPs Nottingham.

For more information on energy saving please visit the website of the Energy Saving Trust.