The easy way to get started on reducing your carbon footprint
June 2, 2010 by adminpsc
As a nation of homeowners we’ve been pretty good at installing new kitchens and bathrooms but when it comes to actual home maintenance we’ve been notoriously bad! In fact, if you look at trends over the past 50 years or more we have failed badly to maintain the existing housing stock to a reasonable standard.
But now that we are facing serious increases in fuel prices brought about by global warming and the need to reduce our carbon footprints it’s in all our interests to raise the status of our homes so that they are energy efficient, sustainable and cost effective.
Indeed there are hundreds of pounds that can be knocked off fuel and water bills (if you are on water meter) if the right measures are taken. And these are not just one-off savings they will continue year after year.
Whether you live in a house, bungalow or a flat, the best way to set about maximising its efficiency is to see what measures need to be taken by having an energy performance assessment carried out by property services experts such as Chiltern PSC.
A member of their professional team can visit your home and for a very modest fee carry out a survey that will come up with some very positive suggestions on the best ways to make your home energy efficient and economical to run. By taking note of your home’s dimensions, form of construction and the type of heating system you use they can provide an Energy Performance Certificate and a report recommending the best way forward.
Jarrod Green, managing director of Chiltern PSC, says: “We can point out accurately what are a home’s main requirements so far as achieving maximum energy efficiency is concerned. For instance, may be it could benefit significantly from loft and cavity wall insulation or perhaps the heating system needs to be replaced or improved.
“Other more fundamental things may need attention such as how the electrical supply is used through low energy lighting and running audio and visual equipment. And water conservation, too, is another major consideration through toilet cisterns which use less water to flush and baths and showers which also use less water without compromising on performance.”
Of course, Chiltern PSC may also suggest that your home could benefit from solar panels on the roof to heat the water before it goes through the hot water system or even to produce electricity to run the house!
Bringing existing homes into line with current energy saving requirements really is a serious business and one that Government is very keen to promote. So, Jarrod points out: “It maybe possible for some households to obtain financial help through grants to make energy saving improvements to their homes. The Government, major energy suppliers and local authorities all have grant systems in place to help implement these measures and this where Chiltern PSC can also provide further advice.”