Energy Saving Products Guide

Introduction

Much of a property’s energy efficiency comes from the materials and methods used in its construction, most of which are difficult to alter. We will therefore concentrate this guide on the elements of your home that you can upgrade most easily:

• Having ‘A’ rated appliances and energy efficient lightbulbs WON’T help your rating, although they will reduce your energy bills.

• Attributes common to all kitchen appliances
• Full guide to all different types lightbulbs

The type of fuel your heating and hot water system uses has a dramatic effect on the SAP and CI (Carbon Index) scores. Electricity is an expensive source of fuel, even on Economy 7 and also produces the greatest amount of carbon dioxide of all the domestic fuels. Mains gas is by far a better source being both the cheapest fuel and producing less CO₂.

• Click on product description below to purchase the item from screwfix.com, who deliver in 24 hours - hover over the picture for a full description.

Condensing boilers

If you’re considering changing your boiler, select a new boiler that is as efficient for your budget as possible. According to new Building Regulations: Part L, only high efficiency condensing boilers should be fitted as of April 2005.

If a 15 year old boiler is replaced with a new efficient one, you can save around 30% on your existing energy bills. If you can find one suitable for your property, try to select a combination boiler as these negate the need to store hot water and therefore avoid heat losses.

• Click here to see how efficient your boiler is

• Central heating options for your home

Pipe lagging

Insulate your hot water pipes with lagging.

Cylinder thermostat

If you have a hot water storage vessel, such as a cylinder, ensure it is insulated with lagging as thick as possible (up to 150mm). Your hot water storage vessel should also be fitted with a thermostat so that the boiler can be shut off when the water is at the required temperature.

Room thermostat

The central heating in your home should be controlled by a thermostat which monitors the temperature in the living room and switches the boiler off when the target has been reached.

Heating programmer

A time-controlled programmer should be fitted to the boiler to control when and for how long it generates hot water.

Thermostatic radiator valves

Fit Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRV) to each of your radiators to control the temperature in each room.

• Radiator thermostats & valves

Wall & ceiling insulation

Insulate your walls and loft space.

• Full guide to wall insulation
• Insulating your ceiling & loft space

Double glazing

Choose wood or uPVC framed, argon-filled double-glazed windows fitted with low-e glass.

• All the options for glazing your windows
• Window frames are available in a variety of different materials

Draught proofing

Ensure doors and windows are fitted with draught-proofing strips.

Solar energy

Add as large an area of solar panels to your property as is practical to help to heat water.

• Reduce your energy bills with solar panels
• Solar water heaters vs. photovoltaic cells

Further information and useful links

• Making sense of the energy efficiency ratings for your home
• Full list of windows & doors topics
• Walls & ceilings topics
• Plumbing & heating topics