Significantly improving your home's energy footprint needn't cost a fortune...

Lighting
Before doing anything else change to energy saving bulbs and install an energy monitor. If possible, put the monitor in the entrance hall so you’ll see it as you enter and leave, making you more aware of your everyday energy usage. This has the quickest pay back to investment.

Outside
Make a point of taking a look at your home’s exterior occasionally. Defective gutters and downpipes can cause dry and wet rot, both of which are very expensive to repair. Wet walls also lead to cooler internal surfaces and higher bills. We provide a unique service using thermal imaging to help identify defects.

Windows and doors
Draughts can be eliminated completely with good quality products. There are many ways to do this without incurring great expense. Again thermal imaging assists a great deal in this area.

Floors
Does your body feel comfortable but your feet cold? Ground floor insulation is an often overlooked area for draughts and heat loss and there are many useful solutions available. Thermal imaging again is an invaluable tool.

Ceiling fans
These can keep air moving and distribute heat evenly. Leave them on a slow moving setting. They can be effective though some people think they’re ugly.

Loft
Thoroughly insulate the loft. Avoid the cheapest option because you’ll get exactly what you pay for. Also, consider how you’re using your loft and whether you will be over boarding.

Heat recovery units
These can be great cost savers and are also useful for controlling condensation. Units can service one room or the whole house. Some units boast up to 90% recovery!

Central heating
Bring your existing control system up-to-date. Install thermostatic valves and zone valves. Fit clever ancillaries to keep lime scale to a minimum, such as magnetite filters which remove iron ferrites and reduce electrolytic action. This can save as much as 20% on your bills. But by fixing your drafts and defects first, you could save […]

Fuel
Check out the cheapest fuel for a particular task. For example, electricity could be a much better way to heat summer hot water than keeping the boiler chuntering away depending on occupancy.

Meters
Read your meters. If you don’t know where they are or how to do it, seek advice.