Heating controls and new boiler 'make big difference'

Article date : 09/03/2010

As Britons begin paying off their winter energy bills, they may be keen to make their homes more energy efficient in order to ensure they will not have to fork out as much for their utilities next year.

And according to one sector commentator, there are plenty of simple steps they can take around the home which will not only reduce their energy outgoings but also their carbon footprints.

Laura Sevier, writing for the Ecologist, urges people to consider a new boiler and heating controls if they wish to make their central heating systems - and with them, their properties - greener.

In particular with the average lifespan of a gas boiler standing at 15 years, people with a G-rated appliance may find they are now ready for an upgrade.

Ms Seivier advises applying to the Energy Saving Trust to secure a £400 discount on a new and efficient condensing boiler, explaining that this and the correct heating controls can make "a big difference" to bills.

"If you have a programmer or timer, set it so that the heating only comes on when needed. Just turning your thermostat down by one degree Celsius could save you around £55 a year," she adds.

Homeowners may also be interested to learn they can soon apply for loans worth thousands of pounds to put towards making their property greener under plans announced by the government recently.

Written by Tony Harrison

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