Energy Saving Advice

With the possibility of higher natural gas prices this winter, you can take some steps to reduce the amount of gas you're using. Here are some suggestions.  Turn down your thermostat to 19 degrees. For every degree you lower your heat in the 18-degree to 25-degree range, you can save up to 5 percent on heating costs. Wear warm clothing like a sweater and set your thermostat to 18 degrees or lower during the day and evening, health permitting. Set the thermostat back to 19 degrees or off at night or when leaving home for an extended time saving 5-20 percent of your heating costs.  Reduce hot water temperature. Set your water heater to the "normal" setting or 50ºC, unless the owner's manual for your dishwasher requires a higher setting. Savings are 7-11 percent of water heating costs. Insulate the first five feet of pipe coming out of the top of your water heater or the whole length until the pipe goes into the wall if that is less than five feet. Pipe insulation is available from your local hardware store.  Insulate your Loft Space. Due to heat rising Loft insulation can be the most cost-effective method of preventing heat loss. 25% of the heat in your home can escape through an un-insulated roof space. The latest government guidelines recommend 200mm or 8" of loft insulation for domestic properties.You should not insulate underneath any water storage tanks but you should insulate any exposed pipes in the loft area.Usually it takes around 2 years for savings to cover the cost if you carry out the work yourself, and around 4 years if you have an insulation contractor to carry out the work. Seal up the leaks. Stop cold draughts around windows and doors. Look for places where you have pipes, vents or electrical conduits that go through the wall, ceiling or floor. Check the bathroom, underneath the kitchen sink, pipes inside a closet, etc. If you find a gap at the point where the pipe or vents goes through the wall, seal it up. Caulk works best on small gaps. Your hardware store should have products to close the larger gaps.  Consider replacing your old gas boiler with a band A Condensing Boiler. If your gas boiler is over 12 years old, consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. The best indicator of a water heater's efficiency is the Energy Factor (EF). The higher the EF, the more efficient the appliance  If your boiler is over 15 years old, consider replacing it with an newer A rated condensing model that is about 15 percent more efficient than standard models.

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