hiya bucks in Bourne End, Flackwell Heath, Marlow, Wycombe, Wooburn November 2014 | Page 10

Energy efficiency
- what’s beneficial?
Winter is just around the corner; but didn’t we enjoy the extended
‘Indian’ summer! Sadly winter will come, however much we may
wishfully think otherwise and with it additional energy bills. So here’s
a quick guide to energy saving.
Heating
It’s likely to be worth getting an improved efficiency boiler if yours is
over 10 years old. A reasonable programmer and room thermostat
should also be installed. Costs vary depending on the heating system,
typical savings for improved controls are £50-£75 per year.
Do turn the temperature down and wear a sweater. One degree lower
can save £75 a year!
Insulation
Assuming you are not one of the 6% without loft insulation then
consider wall insulation. It’s relatively straightforward in cavity walled
properties (but not otherwise). Cost is around £450 to £500 unless subsidised, saving
around £145 per year.

- The 50plus -

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0845 22 50 495
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By the 50plus for people of all ages
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10

A brief note re condensation as we see a
lot of this. Rooms need ventilating to allow
warm, moist air, e.g. from breath overnight or
washing, to be released or it will condensate
on cold services. If there’s very restricted
ventilation, which can be an issue in modern
buildings and conversions, condensation
will form and lead to mould if not addressed.
Make sure bathrooms have extractors and
open windows when possible.
Electrical
Light bulbs are the simplest way to reduce
energy consumption. Also be sensible with
regard to that energy-guzzling item the
kettle. Boil the amount of water required!
As always turn off ‘always on’ items such
as computers. However broadband and
particularly fibre to the kerb modems and
wireless hubs are best left running, the
former for speed reasons and the latter for
shared use.

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