SWEA

How to Cut Energy Costs
by Kierson Wise SWEA   

Here at SWEA we've been offering free energy surveys to local people, to help them reduce their energy use and save on bills. Recently we completed a survey for a family of 4 living in a 4 bed converted L shaped barn on a hill exposed to S westerly winds. The house had oil fired central heating with radiators and underfloor heating and a woodburner. The family called us in because (not surprisingly) their oil consumption for home heating was much higher than the national average and they wanted to save money -- as well as the planet.

We helped identify the need for draughtproofing of external doors, patio doors and windows, which helped considerably, then we helped them fit radiator panels which reflect heat back into the room. In addition we set up energy monitoring - we established a baseline, then the family made monthly readings.
We also installed energy meters for the whole house whole plus individual appliances -- the real culprits for excess electricity use turned out to be large banks of low voltage lights which were often left on.
The family are now also investigating solar water heating to reduce their need for oil.

If you'd like help with reducing your energy costs, call SWEA.