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When it comes to managing properties, understanding energy certificates is essential. These certificates provide valuable information about a building’s energy efficiency. They help property owners, landlords, and real estate professionals make informed decisions. In this post, I will walk you through everything you need to know about energy certificates, why they matter, and how to get one quickly and easily. Understanding Energy Certificates: What They Are and Why They Matter Energy certificates are official documents that show how energy efficient a building is. They rate the property on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). This rating helps buyers, renters, and owners understand how much energy the building uses and how much it might cost to heat or cool it. For example, a home with an A rating will have lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. On the other hand, a property rated G will likely have high energy costs and may need improvements to reduce energy waste. These certificates are not just about saving money. They also play a big role in reducing environmental impact. By improving energy efficiency, we can lower carbon emissions and help fight climate change. How to Get an Energy Certificate for Your Property Getting an energy certificate is a straightforward process, but it must be done by a qualified assessor. Here’s how it usually works: Book an assessment - You can arrange this online or by phone with a certified energy assessor. Property inspection - The assessor visits your property to check insulation, heating systems, windows, and other factors affecting energy use. Report generation - After the inspection, the assessor creates the certificate with the energy rating and recommendations for improvement. Receive your certificate - You get a copy of the certificate, which you can use when selling or renting your property. The whole process usually takes a few hours, and the certificate is valid for 10 years. If you want a fast and reliable service, companies like Instant EPC make it easy to get your certificate quickly. What is the Purpose of the EPC? The main purpose of the EPC is to provide clear information about a building’s energy performance. This helps potential buyers or tenants understand the energy costs they might face. It also encourages property owners to improve energy efficiency. Here are some key reasons why the EPC is important: Transparency : It gives a clear picture of energy use before buying or renting. Cost savings : Identifies ways to reduce energy bills through improvements. Environmental impact : Promotes greener buildings and reduces carbon emissions. Legal requirement : In many cases, having an EPC is mandatory when selling or renting a property. For landlords, having an EPC is not optional. It’s a legal requirement in the UK to provide an EPC to tenants before they move in. Failure to do so can result in fines. Tips to Improve Your Property’s Energy Rating If your property has a low energy rating, don’t worry. There are many simple and cost-effective ways to improve it. Here are some practical tips: Upgrade insulation : Adding loft or wall insulation can keep heat inside and reduce energy use. Install double glazing : Replacing single-pane windows with double glazing helps keep the home warm. Use energy-efficient heating : Modern boilers and smart thermostats save energy and money. Switch to LED lighting : LED bulbs use less electricity and last longer. Consider renewable energy : Solar panels or heat pumps can significantly reduce energy bills. Making these changes not only improves your EPC rating but also makes your property more attractive to buyers and tenants. How Instant EPC Makes Getting Your Certificate Easy Getting an energy certificate doesn’t have to be complicated or slow. Instant EPC offers a fast, simple way to get your certificate online. Here’s why they stand out: Quick turnaround : You can get your certificate in as little as 24 hours. Easy booking : Schedule your assessment online without hassle. Certified assessors : All assessors are qualified and experienced. Nationwide coverage : They provide services across the UK. Affordable prices : Competitive rates without hidden fees. Using a service like Instant EPC saves time and stress. You get a professional certificate that meets legal requirements and helps you manage your property better. Understanding energy certificates is key to managing properties efficiently. They provide valuable insights into energy use, help reduce costs, and support environmental goals. Whether you are selling, renting, or simply want to improve your property, getting an energy certificate is a smart step. For a fast and reliable service, consider using Instant EPC to get your certificate without delay.

When it comes to selling or renting out a property, having an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is essential. It shows how energy efficient a building is and helps buyers or tenants understand potential energy costs. But what if you need an EPC quickly? That’s where same day EPC services come in. They make the process fast and hassle-free, so you can get your certificate without delay. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about same day EPC services. From what an EPC is, to how fast you can get one, and why quick service matters. Let’s dive in. What Is an Energy Performance Certificate? An Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC, rates a property’s energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It looks at things like insulation, heating systems, and windows. The certificate also suggests ways to improve energy efficiency, which can save money and reduce environmental impact. EPCs are required by law when you sell or rent out a property in the UK. Without one, you can face fines. The certificate lasts for 10 years, but if you make improvements, it’s a good idea to get a new one. Having an EPC helps buyers and tenants make informed decisions. It also encourages property owners to improve energy efficiency, which benefits everyone. Why Choose Same Day EPC Services? Sometimes, you need an EPC fast. Maybe you’ve just decided to put your property on the market, or you need to meet a tight rental deadline. Same day EPC services are designed for these situations. They offer: Speed : Get your certificate on the same day you book. Convenience : Easy online booking and quick appointments. Reliability : Certified assessors provide accurate and legal EPCs. Nationwide coverage : Available across the UK for homes and businesses. Using same day EPC services means you don’t have to wait days or weeks. This can speed up your property sale or rental process and avoid costly delays. If you want to explore this option, check out same day epc providers who specialise in fast, professional service. How Quickly Can You Get an EPC? The speed of getting an EPC depends on the provider and your location. Traditional EPC services might take several days or even weeks to schedule an assessor and deliver the certificate. Same day EPC services cut this time drastically. Here’s how it usually works with same day EPC providers: Book online or by phone : Provide property details and preferred time. Assessor visits your property : Usually within hours of booking. Assessment completed : The assessor inspects the property, checks energy features, and collects data. Certificate issued : You receive the EPC electronically on the same day. This process is possible because same day EPC companies have a network of qualified assessors ready to respond quickly. They use digital tools to speed up data collection and report generation. Keep in mind, the property must be accessible and ready for inspection. If there are delays in access or missing information, it might affect timing. What Does an EPC Assessment Involve? During an EPC assessment, the assessor visits your property to check various elements that affect energy efficiency. This includes: Walls and roof insulation : How well the property retains heat. Windows and doors : Type and condition, including double glazing. Heating system : Type, age, and efficiency of boilers or heaters. Lighting : Use of energy-saving bulbs. Renewable energy sources : Solar panels or heat pumps. The assessor takes measurements and notes details to calculate the energy rating. They then produce the EPC report, which includes: The energy efficiency rating (A to G). Estimated energy costs. Recommendations for improvements. Environmental impact rating. The whole visit usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on property size. Tips for a Smooth Same Day EPC Experience To make sure your same day EPC goes smoothly, here are some practical tips: Book early in the day : This gives assessors more time to visit and complete the report. Prepare your property : Ensure easy access to all rooms, heating controls, and loft spaces. Gather documents : If you have previous EPCs or energy bills, have them ready. Be available : Stay reachable in case the assessor needs to contact you. Choose a reputable provider : Look for certified assessors and good reviews. Following these steps helps avoid delays and ensures you get your certificate on time. Why EPCs Matter for Property Owners and Landlords EPCs are more than just a legal requirement. They offer real benefits: Save money : Identifying energy inefficiencies helps reduce bills. Increase property value : Energy-efficient homes attract more buyers and tenants. Meet regulations : Avoid fines and legal issues. Support sustainability : Reduce carbon footprint and environmental impact. For landlords, having a valid EPC is mandatory before renting out a property. Same day EPC services make it easier to comply quickly, especially if you need to fill a vacancy fast. Final Thoughts on Same Day EPC Services Getting an EPC doesn’t have to be slow or stressful. Same day EPC services provide a fast, reliable way to get your certificate when you need it most. Whether you’re selling a home or renting out a commercial space, quick access to an EPC can save time and money. If speed and convenience matter to you, consider using a trusted provider that offers same day EPCs. It’s a smart choice that keeps your property transactions moving smoothly. For a fast and easy EPC experience, visit same day epc and see how quickly you can get your certificate today.

When it comes to managing a property, understanding its energy efficiency is crucial. One of the key documents that help with this is the energy performance certificate. This certificate provides valuable information about how energy efficient a building is. It can affect everything from your energy bills to the property's market value. In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about energy certificates, how they work, and why they matter. What You Need to Know About Energy Certificates Guide Energy certificates are official documents that rate the energy efficiency of a building. They are required by law in many cases, especially when selling or renting out a property. The certificate gives a rating from A to G, with A being the most efficient and G the least. This rating helps buyers or tenants understand how much it might cost to heat and power the property. Getting an energy certificate involves an assessment by a qualified assessor. They look at various factors such as insulation, heating systems, windows, and lighting. After the assessment, the certificate is issued and is valid for 10 years. It also includes recommendations on how to improve the building’s energy efficiency. If you are a property owner or landlord, having an up-to-date energy certificate is essential. It not only helps you comply with legal requirements but also makes your property more attractive to potential buyers or renters. Plus, improving your energy rating can lead to lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. How to Get an Energy Performance Certificate Quickly and Easily The process of obtaining an energy certificate has become much simpler thanks to services like Instant EPC. They offer a fast and straightforward way to get your certificate without hassle. You can book an assessment online, and a certified assessor will visit your property at a convenient time. Here are some tips to make the process smooth: Prepare your property - Make sure all heating and lighting systems are working. Gather documents - Have any previous energy certificates or building plans ready. Choose a reliable provider - Use a trusted service like Instant EPC for quick results. Schedule the assessment - Pick a time that suits you to avoid delays. The assessor will inspect your property, take measurements, and then produce the certificate. You will receive a copy that you can use for selling, renting, or simply keeping for your records. Using a fast and reliable service means you can get your certificate in days, not weeks. This is especially helpful if you are in a hurry to sell or rent your property. What is the Purpose of the EPC Certificate? The main purpose of the EPC certificate is to provide clear information about a building’s energy efficiency. This helps buyers, tenants, and owners make informed decisions. It also encourages improvements that reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. Here are some key reasons why the EPC certificate is important: Legal compliance - It is a legal requirement when selling or renting out a property. Cost savings - Identifies ways to reduce energy bills through improvements. Environmental impact - Helps lower carbon emissions by promoting energy efficiency. Market value - Properties with better ratings often sell or rent faster and at higher prices. Transparency - Provides clear, easy-to-understand information for all parties involved. The certificate also includes practical recommendations. For example, it might suggest adding insulation, upgrading windows, or installing a more efficient heating system. These tips can help you plan future improvements that save money and energy. Understanding the purpose of the EPC certificate helps you see its value beyond just a legal formality. It is a tool for making your property better and more sustainable. How to Improve Your Property’s Energy Rating Once you have your energy certificate, you might want to improve your rating. This can make your property more attractive and reduce running costs. Here are some practical steps you can take: Upgrade insulation - Adding loft or wall insulation keeps heat in and reduces energy use. Install energy-efficient windows - Double or triple glazing helps maintain temperature. Replace old boilers - Modern boilers use less fuel and heat more efficiently. Use smart thermostats - Control heating more precisely to avoid waste. Switch to LED lighting - LEDs use less electricity and last longer. Consider renewable energy - Solar panels or heat pumps can lower energy bills. Each improvement can increase your energy rating by a letter or two. Even small changes add up over time. Plus, some upgrades may qualify for government grants or incentives, making them more affordable. When planning improvements, focus on the biggest energy users first. Heating usually accounts for most energy use, so start there. Then look at insulation and lighting. This approach gives the best return on investment. Why Choosing the Right EPC Provider Matters Getting your energy certificate from the right provider is important. A good provider ensures the process is quick, accurate, and hassle-free. Here’s why it matters: Speed - Fast service means you get your certificate when you need it. Accuracy - Qualified assessors provide reliable ratings and advice. Customer support - Good providers help with questions and follow-up. Nationwide coverage - Access to assessors across the UK makes booking easier. Competitive pricing - Transparent costs without hidden fees. Instant EPC is a great example of a provider that ticks all these boxes. They focus on making the process simple and fast for both homes and businesses. Their online booking system and expert assessors help you get your certificate without stress. By choosing a trusted provider, you avoid delays and ensure your certificate is accepted by all parties involved in your property transaction. Getting an energy performance certificate is a smart step for any property owner or landlord. It helps you understand your building’s energy use, comply with legal rules, and plan improvements that save money. With the right knowledge and provider, the process is easy and fast. Take control of your property’s energy efficiency today and enjoy the benefits for years to come.

Some properties don’t need to have an Energy Performance Certificate. These are: Places of worship Temporary structures which have a planned use of less than 2 years Stand-alone properties with under 50m2 of useable floor space Properties which are due for demolition – with a demolition order in place Low energy demand properties such as agricultural barns We recommend that you check with a specialist if you think that your property is exempt from the EPC requirement to ensure that you are definitely covered.

The amount of time that our energy assessor will be at your commercial property depends on how big it is, and the degree of access that they have to the building. The energy assessor will look at a number of factors in the building, including: The building area size Lighting Cavity wall and loft insulation Hot water and central heating systems Energy efficiency of the windows Ventilation

Our commercial EPC prices vary according to the size of the property, but they start from only £120 . We offer competitive prices and a free, no-obligation quote.

It’s easy to get your commercial EPC at Nexus Energy Solutions. Our energy assessors are all professionally qualified in energy efficiency surveying. We require them to be members of accreditation companies who regularly audit their work and ensure that criminal record checks are up to date. Our team of energy advisors are also on hand to talk you through the results and implications of your commercial EPC if need be. If you are thinking about selling or leasing your commercial property, you will need to have a commercial EPC, so why not get in touch with us today? Free No-Obligation Quote Competitive Pricing Guaranteed Expert & Experienced Surveyors Fast Turnaround & Flexible Survey Appointment Times

Energy Performance Certificate use a scale of A to G. A being the most energy efficient home, with lower fuel bills and G is the least energy efficient with higher energy bills. The same scale is used to define the environmental impact of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of a home. Most properties in Britain are Band D or E.

Building an energy-efficient home is a smart choice that benefits you and the planet. With rising utility costs and growing concerns about climate change, homeowners are eager to find ways to lower their energy use. This step-by-step guide provides you with practical tips to help you create a comfortable and sustainable living space without feeling overwhelmed. Understanding Energy Efficiency Energy efficiency means using less energy to achieve the same outcomes, like keeping your home warm or powering your appliances. For instance, you can cut energy consumption by 30% or more by updating your home’s insulation and windows. More efficient energy use directly impacts your monthly utility bills and helps reduce your carbon footprint. Homes equipped with solar panels, for instance, can save their owners anywhere from $600 to $1,200 a year in energy costs, depending on usage and local solar incentives. Conduct an Energy Audit Before making any changes, you need to know your home's current energy efficiency status. Conducting an energy audit helps identify where your home wastes energy. You can hire a professional or try a DIY audit. Look for gaps around doors and windows, check insulation levels, and assess appliances for energy usage. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save 5% to 30% on heating and cooling bills by properly air-sealing their homes. Consider checking if your utility company offers free audits. Insulation Matters Effective insulation is crucial for an energy-efficient home. Proper insulation keeps warm air inside during winter and cool air inside during summer, minimizing reliance on heating and cooling systems. Older homes often lack insulation in critical areas. Adding insulation to the attic, walls, and floors can improve your home’s thermal performance. For example, homeowners can improve heating efficiency by up to 20% with spray foam insulation. Choose materials such as fiberglass batts or cellulose for their thermal resistance qualities. Choose Energy-Efficient Windows Windows can contribute significantly to heat loss. By replacing old, single-pane windows with energy-efficient double or triple-pane ones, you can decrease your heating and cooling needs. Look for windows with low U-values (indicating better insulation) and Solar Heat Gain Coefficients (SHGC) that fit your climate. Additionally, indoor treatments like insulated curtains or shades can further help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Research shows that good-quality windows can reduce heat loss by up to 50%. Upgrade to Energy-Star Appliances Swapping out old appliances for Energy Star-rated models can notably reduce your energy use. Energy Star appliances adhere to strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For example, an Energy Star certified refrigerator uses about 15% less energy compared to standard models. Dishwashers can save up to 12 gallons of water per load. Choosing these appliances will lead to noticeable savings on your monthly utility bills. Implement Smart Home Technology Smart home devices can elevate your home's energy efficiency. A smart thermostat learns your heating and cooling patterns and can adjust settings automatically, which may reduce energy bills by 10% to 15%. Invest in smart lighting that turns off when no one is in the room or that can be scheduled to turn on and off based on your routine. Smart technologies not only boost energy efficiency but also add comfort and control to your living space. Optimize Heating and Cooling Systems Your HVAC system has a significant impact on your energy consumption. Regular maintenance like cleaning coils and changing filters ensures that your systems operate at peak efficiency. When considering upgrades, choose energy-efficient models with the Energy Star label. Heat pumps and radiant floor heating systems can also be more efficient options. These choices can reduce heating and cooling costs by as much as 20% compared to traditional systems. Water Heating Solutions Water heating is another area where energy use can skyrocket. Upgrading to an energy-efficient water heater, particularly a tankless model that heats water only when needed, can lead to significant savings. You can also insulate your water heater and its pipes to prevent heat loss. Setting your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and fixing any leaks in taps and pipes could save you around 10% to 20% on water heating costs. Go Solar Installing solar panels is a long-term strategy that can dramatically lower your energy expenses. Using solar energy to power your home means less reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Many homeowners can reduce their electricity bills by 50% to 80% after installing solar panels. Be sure to investigate local incentives or financing options to make the initial investment more manageable. Landscape for Energy Efficiency Thoughtful landscaping can create a more energy-efficient environment around your home. By planting trees and shrubs strategically, you can block wind in the winter, provide shade in the summer, and help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Consider utilizing native plants that require less water and maintenance. Proper landscaping can lead to lower energy costs by minimizing heating and cooling demands by as much as 15%. Final Thoughts Transforming your home into an energy-efficient space requires careful planning and investment, but the rewards are worth it. Regular energy audits, careful selection of appliances, and incorporating renewable energy solutions can lead to significant cost savings and a positive impact on the environment. An energy-efficient home is not just more comfortable; it's an investment in a sustainable future. By following the steps outlined here, whether you're building anew or renovating, you can create a space that not only enhances your lifestyle but also contributes to a greener planet. Small changes can lead to significant improvements, so take on the challenge of energy efficiency and reap the benefits for years to come.

How to make better EPC Certificate rating of your property Tips for better Energy Performance Certificate Rating. 1. Try and make sure as many of your fixed light fittings as possible have energy saving bulbs, i.e. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) or Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). 2. If you have a hot water tank, make sure there is plenty of insulation around it. Good insulation can make a significant difference to the rating. 3. Loft insulation. If we cannot see the loft is insulated because either we cannot gain loft access or because the loft is boarded over please have any paperwork available to prove loft insulation is fitted. 4. If you have cavity wall insulation which is not visible due to rendering etc, make sure you have the paperwork available. 5. If your double glazed windows were fitted after 2002 and the date is not visible in the units, please have paperwork available to show the installation date. 6. Boiler information: We will try to establish the exact make and model of the gas or oil heating boiler. Where this is possible, the exact efficiency of the boiler can be established. This is likely to be higher than the software default setting for that type of boiler. Establishing the boilers details from visual inspection can be difficult, so please have any information manuals or service history available. 7. If your property has had major alterations, extensions or a loft conversion, please show the building control sign off certificate to the assessor on the day of the survey. This documentation will have a major impact in producing a superior EPC. 8. Please make sure all parts of the property are unlocked and accessible including basements and loft space.

There are many things you can do around your home to increase energy efficiency and, in effect, reduce your bills. LIGHTING AND ELECTRICITY. Look out for the logo. When purchasing new appliances; always look for the ‘Energy Saving Recommended’ logo. Energy Saving Recommended appliances are the most efficient in their category and could save you up to £34 a year. Also visit www.sust-it.net which lists thousands of appliances and how much they cost to run. Unplug it. If chargers for devices such as mobile phones and mp3 players were unplugged when not in use, the UK could save enough electricity each year to power 115,000 homes. Turning off your mobile phone over night will mean you have to charge it less. Turn your lights off. When you leave a room, turn the light off on your way out. It’s said that UK households spend £1.9bn on electricity every year for lighting. Using fluorescent strip lights in kitchens give long lasting bright light with lower running costs. NIGHT TIME LIGHT. If you have an outside light, replace the bulb with a low energy light bulb. You can also fit a timer or a motion sensor so it’s only used when it’s needed. You can also buy solar garden lights for night time lighting. ENERGY SAVING LIGHT BULBS. In most homes, lighting accounts for 10–15% of the electricity bill. Energy saving light bulbs last up to 10 times longer than normal light bulbs, and each bulb fitted could save around £40 over its lifetime. They come in a range of styles, and often your energy supplier will provide you with some for free. DOING THE LAUNDRY. Wash cooler 85% of the energy that washing machines use goes to heating the water, so switch to a cooler wash. Washing at 30°C uses a third less electricity. Modern washing powders are designed to now be more effective at lower temperatures. Fill it up Put full loads in your washing machine and wait until your dishwasher is full before turning it on. De-scaling these appliances will also help them run more efficiently. Dry your clothes outside This way you’ll save energy normally used by your tumble dryer. In the winter, put your clothes on a clothes horse rather than on the radiator, as covering the radiator will make your boiler work harder than it needs to. IN THE BATHROOM. Take a shower. A five-minute shower uses about a third of the water of a bath and can save 50 litres every time. If you like a bath however, afterwards you can use the water to water your garden. Fix the drip. Dripping hot taps can add to your heating costs. Get them repaired before it all adds up. IN THE KITCHEN. Cooking tips. Chop vegetables into smaller chunks for cooking, they cook more quickly thus using less energy. Put lids on your saucepans to stop the heat escaping and reduce cooking time. Cooking with a steamer means you can cook several types of vegetable on only one ring. Always use the correct size ring for the size of pan you are using. Smaller items are better cooked under the grill than in the oven. Microwave more. Using a microwave is quicker and more energy efficient than using an oven. Use microwave to warm food up. Making toast in a toaster is more efficient than putting it under the grill. The perfect cuppa! When boiling the kettle, only use as much water as you need. Boiling too much uses more energy and wastes water if you refill the kettle each time you use it. Most modern kettles have a gauge so you can work out the exact right amount. Also try and de-scale your kettle regularly – lime scale. Keep it closed. Try not to leave your fridge door open. Each minute the door is open takes three minutes of energy to cool down again. Try to keep your fridge and freezer three quarters full and defrost them regularly. You can put bottles of water in your fridge to fill it up if it’s empty. Never put hot food in your fridge or freezer as it makes it work harder than it needs to. HEATING. Turn down the heat. Turning the thermostat down by 1°C can cut more than 10% from the average central heating bill. Set your water cylinder at 60°C to use less energy. Layer up. Instead of turning the heating up, put on another layer of clothing. This will reduce your heating bill. Time it right. Time your heating to go off 30 minutes before you leave the house, and come on again 30 minutes before you come home. Put foil behind your radiators. Putting reflective foil behind your radiators will reflect heat back into the room and increase the efficiency of the radiator. Also make sure there is no furniture in front of your radiators. Close your curtains. This will help stop heat escaping through the windows. Never put your curtains in front of a radiator though – doing so will block the heat. Mind the gap. Keep windows and doors closed. If there are gaps underneath internal doors, roll up a blanket to keep draughts out. TIP: To help find the source of a draught, light a candle and use it to find the source. By moving the candle around the edge of a window or door frame, the flame will flicker where the draught is coming in. Use draught proofing strip around the frame of the door. Cosy up at bedtime. Rather than having your heating on over night in the winter, use a thicker duvet to keep you warm. IF YOU HAVE A LITTLE MORE TIME. Insulate your hot water tank. Buying a jacket for your water tank will only cost £10–£15 but it pays for itself in months with all the heat it traps in. Fit one that is at least 75mm (3″) thick and you could save around £30 a year. If every UK household that could fitted an adequate tank-jacket tomorrow, we’d save over £132 million of energy every year! You can also fit insulation for hot water pipes – this will cost between £5 and £10 and save you around £10 a year, which means you should recover the cost of fitting within a year. Switch to a high-efficiency boiler. If your boiler is over 15 years old, it should be replaced with a new, high-efficiency boiler. By law, new gas boilers in England and Wales must now be of the high-efficiency condensing type, which can help you save up to a third on your heating bills and even more if you upgrade to modern controls as well. Choosing the correct heating system with a condensing boiler and correct heating controls can make a huge difference over time. With energy prices now higher than ever, you’ll certainly feel the difference in your pocket. Speak to a CORGI registered plumber and ask about condensing boilers. They will be able to tell you which one would best suit your home. Fitting a new boilers can save up to £140 a year, and cut your home’s C02 emissions by more than 800kg a year. LOFT AND WALL CAVITY INSULATION. Insulating your loft is another simple way to save energy – you can even do it yourself. If your loft is not insulated, you could be losing as much as 15% of your heating costs through the loft. Cavity wall insulation is a bit more complex, but if your home has unfilled cavity walls, a considerable slice of your energy bills will be spent heating the air outside. It will need to be installed by contractors. The Government, energy suppliers and local authorities all provide grants or offers to help you implement energy saving measures in your home. For more information, contact your energy supplier or local authority. If everyone in the UK installed loft insulation up to 270mm thickness, the equivalent financial savings would pay the energy bills for over 640,000 families a year. Install double-glazing Double glazing creates an insulating barrier by trapping air between two panes of glass. It cuts heat loss through windows by 50% and could cut your heating bill by around £110 a year. Get some double glazing or consider retro-fitting double-glazed panes to standard wooden frames. That way, you keep original features and stay warm in winter. Go to www.uksashwindows.com for information on secondary glazing. It is essential to keep safe and warm in winter and there are some simple things you can do to keep warm and stay healthy. DURING THE NIGHT. Try to keep a temperature of above 18°C (65°F) in your bedroom overnight. If you use a fire or heater in your bedroom during winter, open the window or door a little at night for ventilation. An electric blanket or a hot water bottle will help you keep warm but never use them together as you could electrocute yourself. If you have an electric blanket, check what type it is – some are designed only to warm the bed before you get in and should not to be used throughout the night. If you use an electric blanket make sure it is safe to use by getting it tested every three years. The Fire Brigade, Trading Standards and Age Concern can test your electric blanket for safety.