Energy Saving Week runs from October 22-28 and this year it is challenging people to adopt energy-saving measures to reduce their C02 emissions.
We all want to cut our fuel bills – and we can help save the planet in the process, thanks to the Energy Saving Trust.
The organisation has again organised Energy Saving Week to encourage households to become more energy efficient.
The aim is to address the damaging effects of climate change and cut carbon dioxide emissions and the main greenhouse gases.
And there's several schemes and grants available to help you cut the initial cost of installing hi-tech equipment or insulation, which puts many homeowners off.
In the last year, the Government has given almost £7million in energy efficiency grants to homeowners via the Low Carbon Buildings grant scheme.
The programme provides grants for installation of microgeneration technologies to homes, community organisations and schools.
This means solar panels, wind turbines, solar thermal hot water, ground source heat pumps and wood-fuelled boiler systems can be within our budgets.
Homeowners who are keen to become more energy efficient will benefit from the introduction of Home Information Packs (HIP), which includes a home energy rating and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), containing advice on how to cut carbon emissions and fuel bills.
As our homes account for 27 per cent of the UK's CO2 emissions, it's vital that energy efficiency in the home is encouraged.
However, accessing energy efficiency grants is never easy and finding out what is available can be a complicated process.
Sunderland City Council offers two different schemes for residents.
The Sunderland Energy Efficiency Programme (SEEP) offers free cavity wall insulation and loft insulation to residents over the age of 60, regardless of income.
Those under 60 and able to pay can get loft insulation for £150 and cavity wall insulation for £150. This is subject to funding availability.
It is very important to use the correct installers and contractors.
Some are able to offer significant discounts on installing products because of the Energy Efficiency Commitment (EEC) – a promise that energy supply companies with more than 50,000 customers have made.
They have pledged to meet an energy-saving target in the domestic sector.
Things that are often discounted are cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, condensing boilers, low-energy lighting and energy efficient appliances.
For more information, call 0800 174756 and quote SCC or the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre in the North East on 0800 512 012 to arrange a no-obligation survey, to establish if your home is suitable for cavity wall insulation.
How efficient is your home?
Here are 10 top tips to reducing the amount of energy you waste in your household.
By applying some or all of them, not only will you save cash, but you will be doing your bit towards reducing emissions that contribute to global warming.
1: Identify where the main energy outgoings are in your home. The average three-bedroomed home uses 44 per cent of its energy on heating, 33 per cent on cooking, lighting and other appliances such as televisions and stereos, 14 per cent on heating water and nine per cent on keeping the fridge cool.
2: Make sure that you have enough attic insulation. There should be seven inches or more glass fibre/rock wool or six inches of cellulose in your loft. If you have none, make this your first energy-saving measure.
3: You can save as much as 10 per cent a year on your heating bills if you lower the temperature of your thermostat by one degree.
Most people won't even feel a change but your bank account will.
4: Heat loss through your windows accounts for up to 25 per cent of your heating bill. New windows must be double glazed by law, but older panes can let heat through. So make sure that the window edges are draught-proof, it's cheap and easy.
5: Hot water tank and connecting pipes should be adequately insulated (but don't cover the thermostat). You'll know if they are not insulated enough if you can feel the heat through any insulating covering.
6: As tempting as a hot bubble bath is, you use 15-25 gallons of hot water when you have one, but less than 10 gallons during a five-minute shower.
7: Repair any leaking taps straight away – gallons of water are wasted like this.
8: Fluorescent lamps are much more energy efficient than traditional filament lamps and last six to 10 times longer. Use common sense, such as turning off lights in rooms which are empty.
9: When buying new appliances, particularly white goods such as fridges, washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers, check out the energy efficiency ratings and look for the Energy Efficiency Recommended logo.
10: For washing machines, 80 to 85 per cent of the energy used is spent heating up the water.
Use lower temperature cycles, such as the 40C cycle, to save energy.
Grant help to take next step
THE Low Carbon Buildings Grant scheme offers homeowners a maximum of £2,500 towards energy-saving measures.
You must have already undertaken a number of energy-efficient measures before you are eligible to apply for a Low Carbon Buildings Grant.
Before applying you are required to have:
* Insulated the whole of the loft to meet current building regulations, eg, 270mm of mineral wool loft insulation or suitable alternative.l Installed cavity wall insulation (if you have cavity walls).
* Fitted low-energy light bulbs in all appropriate light fittings.
* Installed basic controls for your heating system to include a room thermostat and a programmer or timer.Once these measures have been installed, homeowners need to decide which microgeneration product they are interested in and then obtain a quote from an accredited installer.
Grants can then be applied for online and typically, the grants cover between 20 per cent and 50 per cent of the eligible costs, depending on the type of product you wish to install in your home.
For further information on the grant scheme and if you are eligible, log on to www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk.
Putting up a warm front
If you are over 60 or receive benefits, consider the Warm Front Scheme.
These grants are Government funded and provide a package of insulation and heating improvements up to the value of £2,700 (rising to £4,000 if oil central heating is recommended).
The types of benefit which are eligable include Child Tax Credit, Income Support, Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit, Job Seekers Allowance or Pension Credit.
If you want to find out if you are eligible, ring 0800 072 9006.
To apply, ring 0800 316 2805 or log on to www.warmfront.co.uk.
Help on the net
Helpful websites:
* Energy Efficiency: Thermographic Images
IRT surveys can identify energy loss from your home and calculate the associated CO2 emissions and energy savings, all from a thermal image. UK coverage, www.irtsurveys.co.uk
* Switch with Which: move to a cheaper energy supplier, average saving of £245, www.switchwithwhich.co.uk
* Confused.com could save you up to £200 on your energy bills, www.confused.com.
On hand to help
The North of England's Homebuilding and Renovating Show will be at the Harrogate International Centre from November 9-11.
Exhibitors will be on hand to advise you on environmentally-friendly products.
There will be a free seminar every day on creating an environmentally-friendly home and a full day of 12 free eco homes masterclasses on Friday, November 9.
For more information and tickets, visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk or call 0870 906 2002.
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