There are many reasons why its a good idea to save energy in the home these days. To begin with, prices of gas and electricity in Europe have been very high in recent times, and so you can save a lot of money by making your home more efficient. As well as saving money, we all need to do our bit to help fight climate change by reducing the amount of energy we use. Finally, some of the things you can do to save energy in your home, such as installing insulation, can make your home warmer and more comfortable in winter.
The U.K. government and some local authorities are keen to encourage people to save energy in order to help it meet European targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to help people cut the amount they have to pay in energy bills. They offer big grants to help pay for home energy efficiency, such as installing insulation or more efficient central heating. However, you need to know what is available and how to apply
Almost everyone is eligible to receive a major contribution to the cost of installing insulation in their home, or else a more efficient heating system that saves energy. The main way you can do this is by arranging for your insulation or heating upgrade to be done by one of the major national insulation or central heating companies or, alternatively through a major energy supplier. You first need to arrange for a quote from them, and in the quote they should let you know how much you can qualify for in grants. If you agree to the quote, they will then take care of all the paperwork and administration as well as completing the work for you.
Many local authorities will also make a contribution to the cost of insulation and heating improvements. You should look on your local authority web-site, or contact them by phone to see what grants are available specifically from them and how you can apply.
Finally, it is quite possible that you will be able to get all of this work done for free. The UK Government provides up to 2,700 to households where a member of the household is receiving certain benefits. In England the scheme is called Warm Front, In Northern Ireland it is Warm Homes, in Scotland Warm Deal, and in Wales it is the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme. If you receive any benefits, you should contact your energy supplier or a major insulation or central heating installer, and they can tell you what kind of work you can have done for free. When you have the work done, they should also take care of the administration for you, leaving you free to enjoy a more comfortable home and lower heating bills.
Alex Perry is a founder of DownwithCO2.co.uk, which helps people cut their personal contribution to climate change through providing information and contacts.
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