August: Getting Energy Efficient With fuel prices always on the increase, it’s important to ensure you reduce the amount of energy you use where you can. Here are some ideas to help make heating your home easier and more cost-effective. We often hear that people don’t think energy efficiency measures will make a real difference to their bills or comfort but you may be surprised. The recommended depth of loft insulation is 27cm – that’s nearly a foot! If you’re suddenly not sure you’ve got enough, maybe following the suggestions below won’t be such a bad idea after all. 1. Get a free home energy check so you can find out how energy efficient your home is and what measures would be most suitable for you. Contact Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 to get started - everyone’s eligible for some support. 2. Basic insulation measures: If you are eligible, you will be provided with cavity and loft insulation. 3. Energy efficiency measures: This could make your home easier and cheaper to heat by making it more energy efficient, up to and including new central heating systems or measures like internal and external wall insulation. For further details call Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282, or go to their website, at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/.
Benefits check: Find out whether you’re missing out on any benefit entitlements and whether you might be entitled to additional support such as discounts on fuel tariffs. Everyone can have an assessment, although your personal and financial circumstances are important. Be alert to scams! We’ve received enquiries from people who have been approached by rogue traders telling them a new boiler is compulsory or that government schemes are just about to end and paperwork must be signed straight away. Don’t be scammed or pressurised – if a scheme is legitimate, it will still be there tomorrow. You’re perfectly within your rights to say no to anyone who comes to your door, and doing so will give you time to research the firm and the schemes on offer. Reputable companies will fully understand, so if you’re in any doubt whatsoever, call Home Energy Scotland for advice about your entitlements, free on 0808 808 2282. Did you know? Each appliance left on standby could be using up to £3 of energy each year. Between washing machines, kettles, televisions & PCs, some houses can have nearly 50 appliances on standby at any one time! You can also request a free copy of Age Scotland’s Guide to Energy Efficiency from Silver Line Scotland, on 0800 4 70 80 90.
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