Green Baslow mini update
Energy Saving
The intention of this newsletter is to assist you in reducing your energy consumption and ultimately your energy bills, leaving more money in your pocket year after year. The days of cheap energy are over and global warming is a reality that needs to be tackled now to help the future generations. The children of today are going to be faced with dealing with the challenges of the changing climate.
Baslow and Bubnell Parish Council hopes you will find this information useful and will implement some of the suggestions to do your bit and help the village reduce its carbon footprint. A useful source for further information is the Energy Saving Trust, www.energysavingtrust.org.uk , telephone 0800 512012.
Low cost measures to tackle first with a significant impact on energy bills.
- Loft insulation. The current recommendation is for 270mm (10”) and can be undertaken by professional contractors or as a DIY installation by a competent person. You should not block the ventilation to the roof void or cover cables. Don’t forget to insulate the loft hatch, tanks and pipes. Generally available in handy 100mm and 170mm rolls from DIY chains and builders merchants. Grants for those over 70 or on various benefits or pregnant with a MAT B1 form. You can be either an owner or tenant of private rented accommodation. You should contact your energy supplier or contact Warmfront on www.warmfront.co.uk.
- Cavity Wall insulation. Approximately 33% of heat is lost through walls. Insulation can be added to a cavity wall by professional contractors. Properties built since the 1920s generally are of cavity construction, however the cavity has to be an even 2” for insulation to be added. This is added from the outside so you won’t have to redecorate. Details of local installers can be obtained from the National Insulation Association (www.nationalinsulationassociation.org.uk), 01525 383313. Grants are available or subsidised installation costs. You can be either an owner or tenant of private rented accommodation. You should contact your energy supplier or contact Warmfront on www.warmfront.co.uk.
- Insulating hot water tanks and pipes. Most hot water tanks are poorly insulated. An additional jacket (75mm minimum) can be added to reduce heat loss and lower fuel bills. Exposed pipework can be insulated with pre-formed pipe insulation of up to 50mm (2”). These are straight-forward jobs for a DIY enthusiast.
- Low energy lighting. Replacing traditional bulbs with modern low energy bulbs significantly reduces the electricity consumption to around 20% and bulbs last up to 12 times longer. There are many different styles available now. Switch over now, ordinary bulbs will be phased out in 2011.
- Heating controls. Upgrading heating controls can reduce fuel consumption considerably. Modern programmers/time clocks can be set to cover each day of the week or a weekday/ weekend setting. A hot water tank should be fitted with a thermostat to control the water temperature (recommended maximum of 60 degrees). A room thermostat should control the overall temperature of the home. Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) can control individual rooms leading to reduced energy use, especially useful in homes which are only being partly used, for example guest bedrooms.
- Draught-proofing. Draught-proofing windows and doors is inexpensive and can reduce energy consumption. Don’t forget the letterbox.
- Reflective foil. Adding reflective foil to the walls behind radiators reduces heat loss. At a cost of around £5 per radiator it could reduce gas bills by 10%.
Higher cost measures that should be considered.
- Central heating boiler replacement. A modern condensing boiler is capable of much higher efficiencies than older boilers (90%+). A significant reduction in your fuel bill can be achieved. You should consult your heating engineer. Grants have been available for those on low incomes. You can check your boiler efficiency on www.boilers.org.uk
- Solar water heating. A roof mounted solar heating panel uses free energy from the sun to pre heat the hot water supply reducing the energy used by your boiler. Information can be obtained from the Solar Trade Association. Some grants aid may be available to help offset the costs. It is recommended that contact is made with the Peak District National Park planning department to enquire what consents would be required for the work. Information can be obtained from Sungain Solar Heating Project on telephone 0115 9859057, www.nottenergy.com/renewable-energy/solar-water-heating/sungain3.
- Solid wall insulation. Insulating a solid wall can reduce the energy consumption of the home in a similar way to having cavity wall insulation. This can be achieved by adding an insulated plasterboard when re-plastering a room within a property. Stone mullions are also an area where heat loss occurs and black mould forms. These can also be effectively insulated in a similar way. External insulation of a wall is generally impractical, but can be considered where a rendered wall is being re-rendered. It is recommended that contact is made with the Peak District National Park planning department to enquire whether consent would be required for the work.
- Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. A solar PV system converts light directly into electricity via panels fixed on the roof. The British Photovoltaic Association can supply up to date information, details of installers and grant availability. It is recommended that contact is made with the Peak District National Park planning department to enquire what consents would be required for the work.
- Double/Triple Glazing. These reduce draughts and cold spots as well as improving security and reducing noise.
- Wind turbine. A wind turbine provides electricity from wind energy. The British Wind Energy Association has up to date information on suppliers of small scale wind systems and grant availability, www.bwea.com, contact telephone 020 76891960. It is recommended that contact is made with the Peak District National Park planning department to enquire what consents would be required for the work.
- Secondary room heaters. Replacement of secondary heaters such as gas fires with modern efficient units can reduce energy use.
- Ground Source Heat Pump Systems. The heat exchanger can be laid horizontally or vertically in the ground, dependant on space availability. Other types available include water and air source heat pumps. More information available at www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk. Telephone 0800 9157722.
- Hydro generation. Uses water to generate electricity. More information available at www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk. British Hydro Association Telephone 01202 886622.
General energy saving tips.
- Don’t leave appliances, like TVs, videos, computers, printers etc on standby. They may still use over 60% of the energy they would if they were switched on. Power-Down devices enable a number of appliances to be switched off in a single operation. These are ideal for TV or computer locations where there are usually a number of peripheral items.
- Adjusting the central heating thermostat by 1 degree significantly reduces the energy used by 10%.
- Don’t overfill the kettle, boiling double the quantity needed costs double. Also try to resist boiling the kettle and pressing to re-boil before pouring.
- When replacing electrical items, aim for efficiency as near to ‘A‘ rated as possible. More efficient appliances don’t necessarily cost anymore to buy.
- Don’t leave lights on unnecessarily. Use energy saving bulbs in fittings that remain on for a long time.
- Arrange to borrow the Electricity monitor from the library, it’s surprising where the electricity is being consumed. Small changes in habits can save you pounds. Or, a similar product is available in Argos, cat no 982/1369.
- Closing curtains at dusk retains more heat within the house.
- Regular servicing of your central heating and other gas appliances ensure they are working to their maximum efficiency.
- Think before you use a tumble drier. They use a lot of electricity, whereas dry sunny or breezy days dry clothes for nothing.
- For a better understanding of your property’s energy performance, an Energy Performance Certificate could be commissioned. As some readers may be aware, these are required for selling or letting property and show the priority and cost effectiveness of the improvements.
Other useful contacts
www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk
Water saving tips.
- Eaga Shower Smart. Showers can use more water than you think, especially if on mains pressure water. An eaga shower smart is suitable for all non-electric mixer showers, bath/shower mixer taps, provided they run off the mains water pressure. The estimated saving of £20 in energy and a further £20 in metered water for a two person household. There were 100000 free to any home, go to the www.eaga.com/freeshowersmart while stocks last.
- Bath or shower? Showers use much less water than a bath, but watch the time you spend under the shower.
- Dishwashers and Washing Machines. If you are only washing a half load, chose an appropriate economy programme as it uses less water and electricity. Waiting until you have a full load is better.
- Toilets. Consider dual flush toilets when replacing them. Significant savings in water are achieved over a year. Alternatively, obtain a free ‘save-a flush’ from www.stwater.co.uk/products or telephone 0845 5274953
- Water Butt. Collect rainwater in a water butt for use in the garden.
- Dripping taps. A dripping tap can waste a bath of water a day, replace leaky washers. At up to 30 litres a day (50 cubic meters a year), it is very costly for those on a water meter. Also watch out for the toilet overflow. Modern ones go straight into the pan itself and may not be as obvious as the traditional external one running down the wall and over the path.
- Car washing/garden watering. Use a bucket/watering can rather than hose.
- Leaking mains water pipes. Report any leaks in the mains water supply free on 0800 7834444 or www.stwater.co.uk/reportaleak.
