Archive for November, 2008

OOHLALA! Brits find new ways to beat the credit crunch

November 26, 2008 at 1:11 pm · Filed under 1, General News, Warmroof Blogs ·Tagged , , ,

UK residents more likely than European neighbours to take saucy energy-saving steps !!

Brits are far more likely than their European counterparts to share a bath or cuddle up in bed in an effort to save energy and money, according to new research launched today (Monday 20 October) to mark the beginning of Energy Saving Week (20-26 October).

 

According to the research, while Brits’ desire to save money is motivating them to take energy saving measures, pressure on their time is forcing them to find a ‘green/life balance’:

·     Half of Brits (50 per cent) quizzed, say that they would take more steps to cut their CO2 emissions if only they had more time.

·     Brits are spending around 170 million hours each year waiting on hold on the telephone, and more than 210 million hours stuck in traffic!

·     Six in 10 (62 per cent) UK residents spend more than 10 minutes a week standing in queues.

·     Almost half (48 per cent) Brits waste more than 10 minutes a week waiting for the kettle to boil.

And in Europe:

·     Almost half (46 per cent) of Spaniards spend 10 minutes a week or more taking siestas.

·     Twenty-one per cent of Frenchmen and women spend more than 10 minutes a week waiting for their food to arrive in a restaurant.

·     Eight in 10 (80%) Germans spend at least 10 minutes every week organising their desks.

 

One of the UK’s leading financial psychology experts Benjamin Fry is working with the Energy Saving Trust to show consumers how saving energy can save money too.

 

He commented: “This research shows that saving energy and money at the same time need not be dull.”  Judging by how it is turning the temperature up on Britons love lives, with so many of us taking romantic energy saving measures to beat the credit crunch, doing your bit to help climate change has suddenly become a lot more attractive.

(source: Energy Saving Trust)

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UK energy bill rises “double” EU

November 12, 2008 at 2:37 pm · Filed under 1, Warmroof Blogs, Warmroof Services ·Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

UK Energy prices have increased twice as fast as the European Union average. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development statistics showed that the UK gas and electricity bills rose 29.7% in the past year compared with 15% in the EU.

Energy price rises

Energy price rises

Consumer Focus chief executive Ed Mayo said the UK should learn from other countries which may be doing more to keep their prices down. He commented by saying “We are no longer an energy island. With increased demand from growing economies such as India and China, the prices we now pay for our energy are more vulnerable to fluctuations across the world.”

With the uncertanty of further increases the UK should look to try to save on their energy bills whereever possible to fight back.

Winter is creeping up on us and with energy prices going through the roof, maybe this year is
a good time to think about efficient energy use when it comes to heating.

Small changes can make a small difference:

  • Turn your thermostat down. Reducing your room temperature by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10 percent.
  • If you have a programmer, set your heating and hot water to come on only when required rather than all the time.
  • If you get cold try adding another layer of clothing on before turning the heating on.
  • Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows and check for draughts around windows and doors.
  • It’s horrible sitting in a draught – and it means heat is escaping from your home, wasting valuable energy. Walk around your home on a windy day and work out where the draughts are coming from.

    • Bigger changes will make a big difference:

  • Check and upgrade your loft insulation. Your home can lose up to 40% of its heat through the loft space and walls, so investing in some good loft insulation will be well worth it. The Warmroof Rigid Foam Loft Insulation System is the most effective and highly loft insulation available today. Saves up to 80% of the heat lost through your loft. Owing to its 95% closed-cell construction, it is far more efficient than fibreglass, keeping your roof warm in the winter.
  • Renewable sources of energy will reduce your annual fuel bills. Solar hot water heating is one of the most cost-effective technologies available. One of the companies at the forefront of domestic solar power provision is Solar Home Energy Ltd. Installing a Solar Home Energy system can produce up to 60% of a household’s hot water needs, and at the same time reduce carbon emissions by up to half a tonne every year, helping to reduce your carbon footprint and your fuel bills.
  • Stay warm with energy saving glazing. Poorly insulated window frames and single glazed windows account for up to 20% of heat loss in the average home. You should save around £100 a year on your heating bills as a result. The largest independent manufacturer and installer of high durability double glazing replacement windows and doors, PVC-U windows, doors, patios, and porches in the South East of England is Crystal Windows.

    • Don’t let the energy bill rises bring a chill to you.

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