Useful Tips for Energy Efficiency

The Benefits of Energy Efficiency

• Save money on fuel bills
• Homes will be warmer
• Reduces the risk of cold-related illnesses
• Benefits to the environment of reduced CO2 emissions

How to Make Homes More Energy Efficient

• Turn off lights when you leave a room
• Don't leave elctrical items on stand-by or batteries on charge longer than necessary
• Close your curtains at dusk
• Think about turning your thermostat down by one degree
• No-cost measures (‘good housekeeping’), such as:
  Boiling only enough water for your needs
  Fixing dripping hot water taps
  Showering instead of bathing
  Filling the washing machine or tumble dryer before use
  Doing laundry at 30 degrees C
  Complete a home energy check, online at www.est.org.uk/check, or by telephoning the Energy Advice Centre on 0800 512012.  The home energy check will give you a tailored report on your home and the cost effective measures you can take to improve its ebergy efficiency and reduce your 'carbon footprint'.

Low-cost Measures

• Fit energy-saving light bulbs
• Insulate your hot water tank
• Draught-proof external doors and windows
• Put foil behind radiators on external walls

Medium- to Higher-cost Measures

• Loft insulation (should be 250-280mm thick)
• Cavity wall insulation
• Thermostatic radiator valves
• When replacing appliances look for 'Energy Savings Recommended' models with A, A+ or A++ ratings.

Grants for Insulation and Heating

All householders, who own or privately rent their homes, can access discounts for cavity wall and loft insulation with the subsidy coming from the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT).  Contact the Wiltshire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 0800 512012 for more details.

Claiming a Benefit, or over 70?
If you claim an income related benefit, or get Working Family Tax Credit (with an income less than £14,600, or Child Tax Credit (with an income less than £15,050), or attendance allowance, or are over 70; then cavity wall insulation is now free.  In most households loft insulation will also be free (if you have less than 4"/100mm now).  If you do not qualify for free loft insulation then we may be able to help with our Home Repair Assistance Grant.

Home Repair Assistance Grants - administered by Swindon Borough Council subject to availability)

• Over 65, but under 70 (irrespective of income)
• Property must have been built pre-1991
• Must own or privately rent the property
• We ask that you make a £100 payment for each measure you require; so for a total of £200 both cavity wall and loft insulation can be fitted.  We will pay the rest of the cost.

To apply; please contact the Home Energy Conservation Officer at Swindon Borough Council on 01793 466100 (Tues - Thurs), or alison.robinson@swindon.gov.uk for more information.

Help is available for fitting or replacing central heating

Swindon Borough Council is working with Ridgeway Care & Repair (Swindon) to administer a Decent Homes Grant.  If you have no heating, or a system that cannot be repaired, then you may be able to get help.

You must:

• have lived in the property for 3 years or more, and
• be in recieipt of an income related benefit to be eligible.

You can download a Decent Homes Grant leaflet by clicking the following link: Decent Homes Grant Leaflet.

Please contact Ridgeway Care & Repair on 01793 490308 for further details.

The government's Warm Front grant can also help with heating measures.

Warmfront Grant - Administered by EAGA

• Available to home owners and those renting privately
• Central government grant
• Targeting persons in receipt of income-related or disability benefits
• Grants available for insulation and heating
• Please visit the Warm Front website at www.warmfront.co.uk, or call 0800 3162814 for further information

nPower Health through Warmth

If you have a medical need for a warm home, but do not qualify for a Decent Homes or Warm Front Grant, then this scheme may be able to help you.

Please contact Ridgeway Care & Repair (Swindon) on 01793 490308 for further information.

Just changing your boiler?

Go to www.communities.gov.uk/boilers for a free A to G energy rating for your boiler.

Help with Microgeneration (alternative technologies)

For information on these see www.lowcarbonbuilding.org.uk, or talk to the Energy Advice Centre on 0800 512012.

Energy Performance Certificates

All properties in England and Wales marketed for sale will need a Home Information Pack (HIP).  The pack includes an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), containing advice on how to cut carbon emissions and fuel bills.  Also included are documents such as a sale statement, searches, and evidence of title.

See www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk for more details.