Energy Saving Tips

Although UK energy bills have been rising, you could actually save money by using energy more efficiently throughout your home.

The key is to see your home differently

The key to making big savings on your home energy bills is to view your home as a living energy system with individual parts that affect each other. For example, if you install energy efficient double glazed windows and loft insulation, when it's time to replace your boiler and heating system, you may be able to manage with a smaller one that costs less, because the windows and walls will retain the heated air inside better than a home without efficient windows and insulation. And because heating makes up the majority of your energy bills, you'll save the most money by reducing your heating needs. Applying energy saving improvements in your home will not only make your home more comfortable, but can also deliver long-term financial rewards. Permanently lower energy bills will more than make up for the higher cost of installing energy efficient appliances and improvements.

How much can you save on your home energy bills?

It's easy to start saving energy right now and you don't have to spend any money to reduce your energy bills. Applying our no-cost energy saving tips around your home can save you hundreds of pounds a year. You can then save even more money by switching to a cheaper supplier using the free and impartial service from Switch Electric & Gas.

As well as changing your daily energy habits, you can also install energy efficient products and appliances around your home. These efficient products don't always cost more than inefficient ones but will use less energy so are cheaper to maintain and run.

Energy Saving Light Bulbs

Save £5-£10 per year / cost recovered in 6 months

Hot Water Tank Insulation

Save £10 per year / cost recovered in 1 year

Draught Proofing

Save £35 per year / cost recovered in 3 years

Heating Controls

Save £50 per year / cost recovered in 2-5 years

Double Glazed Windows

Save £40 per year / cost recovered in 5 years

Loft Insulation

Save £80-£100 per year / cost recovered in 2-6 years

Cavity Wall Insulation

Save £130 per year / cost recovered in 3 years

Replace Old Boiler

Save £120-£200 per year / cost recovered in 4-5 years

Where to get free home energy saving advice

If you have any questions about saving energy at home, your energy supplier may be able to offer you free advice, information packs and discounts on energy saving products. You can also contact the Energy Saving Trust which offers free and impartial advice via their local Advice Centres on 0800 512012.

There are a range of grants available to help people make their homes more energy-efficient and cut fuel bills through draught-proofing, cavity wall or loft insulation, radiator controls and other methods. To find out if you are eligible for any of these, phone your local energy efficiency advice centre on 0800 512 012. Also, look out for any special offers from your energy company or local authority - they might send you information about these with your bill.

If you sometimes struggle paying your bills and live in Scotland you may be eligible for the Energy Assistance Package which is funded by the Scottish Government and managed by the Energy Saving Trust.

Open to people across Scotland, it aims to cut bills, boost incomes and make homes warmer and more energy efficient. Some people even qualify for free home improvements like a new boiler, central heating system, and insulation. For further information please call 0800 512 012.

For customers that live in Wales The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) is a Welsh Assembly Government funded initiative aimed at making homes in Wales warmer, healthier and more energy efficient. The HEES grant provides a package of heating and insulation improvements up to the value of £3,600 (or £5,000 where oil central heating is required).

HEES has made a real difference to the lives of more than 108,000 people by providing heating and insulation improvements to their homes. To find out if you are able to claim a HEES grant, please call 0800 316 2815.

EAGA...

...runs the government funded Warmfront Scheme. Consumers can benefit from grants of up to £2,700, which can make your home warmer, healthier and cheaper to heat.

And if you're not on the mains gas network you may be eligible for a grant of up to £4,000 to install an oil based central heating system.

If you own your home or rent from a private landlord and receive benefits related to income, age or disability, then you could be entitled to the following:

• An new energy saving central heating system in your home, or an upgrade/repair of your existing system
• Loft insulation
• Cavity wall insulation
• Draught proofing

Contact EAGA on Freephone 0800 316 6011

EAGA

Scottish Life House

Archbold Terrace

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE2 1BR