50plus provides a practical advice and implementation
service for householders and businesses.
The cost of energy is actively encouraging each
of us to consume less. Driving down consumption in our own homes and businesses
can be achieved both through larger works such as fitting a more energy
efficient boiler and smaller works e.g. fitting lower energy consumption
light bulbs. 50plus is developing a service to help you run more energy
efficient premises. Right now you can:
Fit more efficient
lighting as bulbs or fittings need changing. . Changing to halogen
bulbs saves about 30%; compact fluorescents are around 5 times more
efficient than 'ordinary' bulbs and both provide practical levels
of light. LEDs are getting better but are remain in the 'decorative'
category. Read more about this here.
Energy saving 'intelligent plugs' that turns appliances off standby
in one easy click via your remote control are also widely available.
Contact 50plus for electrical advice.
Ensure your heating system is working
efficiently. Fit thermostatic radiator valves, ensuring you have a
wall thermostat and preferably a cylinder thermostat where appropriate.
Contact 50plus for plumbing advice.
You can reduce the energy your existing boiler consumes by up to 40
per cent with an efficient thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves.
We supply programmable wall thermostats which switch temperature up
and down automatically , saving energy but keeping the house warm.
Click here for further information.
Fit excluders
where drafts are a problem. Contact 50plus
Take advantage of government grants.
Typically available to assist with loft and wall insulation and for
some boiler upgrades, these simple measures offer short payback periods.
Start here!
Remember to plan for the future. There is a real risk
that energy costs could be still higher. Think in terms of:
More efficient heating and hot water systems
ranging from boiler replacement to more sophisticated systems such as
heat exchangers
Lighting changes. With incandescent bulbs being
phased out it's time to think about newer, smarter and more efficient
lighting
Improved glazing.
And finally real green technologies e.g. using renewable
energy sources such as small hydro, modern biomass, wind, solar, geothermal,
and biofuels. Of these the most appropriate for home/small business use
are solar and wind. Contact 50plus for further
information.
There are some useful money saving guides on the Think
Money website here.
