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Raising Energy PricesConsumers to feel the Heat.
The question which every home owner now is asking what can be done about rising energy costs. Consumers are already being hit with increased energy costs. This is due to rising world wholesale fuel prices. Be warned that this is a trend you will see continue throughout 2007. |
The answer is Controls, Controls, Controls
It is important to remember that in addition to fuel costs, weather also dramatically affects your energy usage bills. When the temperatures drop, you use more energy to heat your home, and now energy conservation becomes very important.
Energy-Efficient Central Heating for the Home
If you heat your home with oil, natural gas or LPG, you may be able to make significant savings per year in your energy costs by having your central heating system serviced, fitted with heating controls, or totally replaced.
Regular maintenance, cleaning, and servicing will keep your existing central heating system operating at its peak energy efficiency and safety. Though all central heating systems will eventually be replaced, as a guide the life expectancy for most central heating systems is between 10/15 years.
Upgrading your existing central heating systems usually include new boiler, time clock, pumps, and system to be cleansed and flushed. These are the basic upgrades will help to improve the safety and efficiency of older central heating systems. The costs of upgrading should be carefully weighed against the cost of a complete new central heating system, especially if replacement is likely within a few years.
If you choose to replace your central heating system, you'll have the opportunity to install equipment that incorporates the most energy-efficient heating technologies available.
The installation of a central heating system either for the first time or as an upgrade requires expertise and professionalism. You want to have installed the most energy-efficient heating for your home at the price to suit your budget. You need to seek out the right people who know their business, and will give you the best advice possible.
What makes up a good central heating system?
Choosing the correct central heating system for your home is an important decision to make. Factors to consider are efficiency, controllability and most important running costs all of will have to be take into consideration. Another factor worth considering is the Eco-friendly effect the appliance will have on the environment. The promotion of energy efficiency will represent the main link between energy usage and the current Government environmental policy, the most effective method of reducing pollution is by means of much more energy efficiency.
A good central heating system will contain the most energy-efficient heating technologies available. This type of installation will cost more to install but in the long run it will save you money on your fuel bills. With the heating season steadily creeping towards us, now is the time to consider all your central heating options.
Controls
Control your energy usage at the flick of a switch. Fitting automatic controls to your central heating system will cost you less if carried out when the installation is being installed. Controls being fitted at any time will make sound economic sense.
Condensing boilers are becoming increasingly popular because of their ultra-high efficiency, which will offer you savings on your annual fuel bill compared to ordinary boilers.
Boiler and thermostats wired in an interlock to prevent short-cycling when there is no demand for either hot water or room heating.
A room thermostat will allow you to select a comfortable temperature for your home. It works by monitoring the air temperature around it and automatically switching off or on your central heating system to maintain the comfort level you have selected. The room thermostat is ideally located in the hallway.
You may also fit thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) which allow more or less heat to enter the radiator depending on setting selected. Thermostatic radiator valves control the temperature of the room in which they are fitted. The thermostatic radiator valves switches off when the room temperature has been reached, and will come back on as temperature drops.
Time-clocks or electronic 7 day programmers will either switch your central heating system, on or off at the times you have pre-selected. The advantage of the 7 day programmers over a standard time clock it offers more flexibility a 7 day setting will allow for different weekend time control.
Here are some suggestions that will help you save energy and money by using your central heating boiler to heat your hot water - wisely and efficiently. Today there are the latest technologies available to improve your hot water efficiency, but here are a few steps that you can take to maximize that efficiency.
If your hot water system has no form of time controller then you will be keeping water hot stored in the cylinder when it is not required. In this situation you will have higher standing losses, which in turn is a waste of energy and your money. Fit a hot water cylinder thermostat to controls the temperature of the hot water supply.
Fit an energy-efficient factory insulated hot water cylinder.
Energy Audits
To estimate your annual operating cost, be sure to look at the yearly cost figure based on your current energy rates. The following listed below can help you to reduce the household energy bills further.
Choose a high-efficiency condensing boilers for installation.
Check your central heating boiler has had an annual service.
Save money on your heating costs by adding insulation to your attic, if currently your insulation is less than 200 mm, then you should add further layers. Otherwise up to one quarter of your heat could be lost through the roof. Check that all pipe-work and storage tank in the roof space are also insulated to prevent freezing.
In the evenings and during cold weather close your curtains or blinds to keep the heat inside your home and prevent heat escaping through the window. Never cover your radiators with curtains as heat will become trapped behind the closed curtain.
Turning down the room thermostat by one degree Celsius can reduce house heating energy consumption by 10%.
Hot water cylinder thermostats can be turned down to 60%C, but should not be set at a temperature lower than 60 degrees Celsius in order to avoid bacterial growth.
Make sure all hot taps are correctly turned off. Repair leaking hot water taps as you will be surprised how much water is wasted by dripping taps.
Run the dishwasher only when it is completely full.
Take a showers rather than baths, the shower uses far less water than a bath and is the ideal choice for energy efficient homes.
Never let the hot water run continuously when washing your face or hands.
Fit a timer to switch the immersion heater on at night or other periods when an off-peak electricity tariff applies.
Turn off all radiators in unused rooms.
We are committed to providing all consumers with the latest conservation information updates, to ensure that we're all working together to conserve energy.
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