As featured in Lincolnshire Today, written by Darren Mayne

Never before has it been so important to reduce our energy consumption. The environmental issue is important of course, we are all familiar with phrases like climate change, global warming and carbon footprint but, with the cost of energy seemingly spiralling out of control what can we do to help ourselves to cut the waste. Of course we can’t all afford to have all the latest super efficient heating systems installed in our homes but there are a few simple steps we all need reminding of, however many times we’ve heard them.

A few simple ways in which you can save money:

1. Simply turn your room thermostat down one degree
2. Upgrade your boiler and system, i.e. Thermostatic radiator valves
3. Install better, more sophisticated heating controls
4. Maintain your appliances with regular servicing to ensure they are running efficiently.
5. Read the owner’s manual or ask a professional on how to best use the heating system you currently have and get the most from it.
6. Switch energy supplier or haggle with your existing one
7. Improve your insulation
8. Reduce the time your heating is on by 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes at night, you probably wont even notice.

Other simple ways to cut your heating bills include closing your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows and keep furniture away from radiators if possible – an upholstered sofa will block the heat, stopping it getting into the room.

Also, don’t forget to open internal doors to rooms that get the most sun – after all, the sun is the cheapest form of energy. Opening doors to sunny rooms mean that the warm air circulates throughout the house rather than remaining trapped in one room.

Don’t crank up your domestic water to a scalding temperature – setting your cylinder thermostat to 60°C/140°F should be adequate.

Fix dripping taps and turn them off properly – a dripping hot water tap wastes energy and enough hot water in one week to fill half a bath.

In the kitchen, only boil as much water as you need when making a cuppa.

If you’re not filling up your washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, use the half-load or economy programme and use the washing machine’s 30°C wash if possible, saving you up to three-quarters the cost of the hottest cycle. Turn off the hot water supply to your washing machine. Very few washing machines or dishwashers fill enough for the hot water to reach it from wherever your combi or storage cylinder might be, all you are doing is filling a pipe with hot water which simply then goes cold. Most machines have their own integral heating element for hot washes anyway.

Grant Funding

There are many government grants on offer. If you are over 60, own your own home and are not claiming various benefits, contact us and we may be able to apply for a £300.00 voucher from Warmfront, redeemable against a new boiler or major repair.

If you currently heat your home with solid fuel or electricity and want to switch fuels to gas, you may be eligible for an “A1 Low Carbon Solutions” grant of £500.00. This could be as much as £1300.00 if you are over 70. Please contact us for details.

Other grants available include loft & cavity wall insulation. Pound for pound these are by far the most cost effective ways of keeping your heat in as a huge amount of warmth goes straight up and out of your roof. The next time it snows have a look round your neighbours’ roofs and spot the ones with no snow on, a sure sign of a poorly lagged loft! Make sure yours isn’t one of them. Contact your local authority for information on funding.

Switching energy suppliers

None of us likes the hassle of changing energy suppliers but lets face it, most people spend longer choosing lunch in a fast food restaurant than we do over who provides one of the largest household expenses, and for how much!

For the sake of an hour or so on the phone or online, find yourself the best deal. It may save you hundreds of pounds per year! Well worth the effort.

Energywatch, the independent watchdog for gas and electricity consumers, offers free information and advice on how to switch suppliers at energywatch.org.uk or on its helpline 08459 060708. Once you’ve got that advice, go to one of the comparison websites to work out which suppliers would be best for you and how much cash you’d save by switching. Websites that are worth checking out include: theenergyshop.com, uswitch.com, moneysupermarket.com and energyhelpline.com

Potterton Gas Boilers

As one of the heating industry’s leading innovators, British manufacturer Potterton has all the answers when it comes to high efficiency heating. The Potterton Gold Combi HE for instance, boasts a three year parts and labour warranty, integral clock and a choice of flue systems for total freedom of boiler siting. It has been awarded “Best Buy” by Which? Magazine in 2006 and in 2007. No mean feat in a highly competitive industry and one of the reasons why Mayne Gas Heating Ltd recommends and installs Potterton products.

Potterton has a wide range of boilers that operate on natural gas or LPG. The Potterton gas boiler range includes the Promax Combi, as well as the Promax heat only and Promax system boilers. By replacing a boiler that is over 15 years old, you could save on your heating bills and reduce your impact on the environment.

As every home is different, we advise that you arrange a survey with one of our Corgi registered professionals who can give advice and help with the selection of an appropriate replacement appliance, as many consumers find it a little confusing with such terms as condensing boiler, high efficiency boiler and combination boiler. Once explained it all becomes quite simple, even to a complete layman.

When a gas appliance operates properly, it is more efficient, that means it saves you money and provides safe and reliable comfort during the winter.

However, there are a number of steps that consumers can take on their own to help their heating systems operate optimally. Consumers should inspect their boiler & the flue terminal for soot or signs of rust, which may be the result of an improperly adjusted burner or worse. In this case, call a Corgi registered engineer.

If heating equipment is old and needs to be replaced, call a contractor who is properly licensed. It’s always advisable to ask for a Corgi card. Alternatively call the Corgi Helpline on 0800 9150485 or visit www.trustcorgi.com where you will be able to find a local engineer you can trust.
Never before has it been so important to reduce our energy consumption. The environmental issue is important of course, we are all familiar with phrases like climate change, global warming and carbon footprint but, with the cost of energy seemingly spiralling out of control what can we do to help ourselves to cut the waste. Of course we can’t all afford to have all the latest super efficient heating systems installed in our homes but there are a few simple steps we all need reminding of, however many times we’ve heard them.

A few simple ways in which you can save money:
Simply turn your room thermostat down one degree
Upgrade your boiler and system, i.e. Thermostatic radiator valves
Install better, more sophisticated heating controls
Maintain your appliances with regular servicing to ensure they are running efficiently.
Read the owner’s manual or ask a professional on how to best use the heating system you currently have and get the most from it.
Switch energy supplier or haggle with your existing one
Improve your insulation
Reduce the time your heating is on by 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes at night, you probably wont even notice.

Other simple ways to cut your heating bills include closing your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows and keep furniture away from radiators if possible – an upholstered sofa will block the heat, stopping it getting into the room.

Also, don’t forget to open internal doors to rooms that get the most sun – after all, the sun is the cheapest form of energy. Opening doors to sunny rooms mean that the warm air circulates throughout the house rather than remaining trapped in one room.

Don’t crank up your domestic water to a scalding temperature – setting your cylinder thermostat to 60°C/140°F should be adequate.

Fix dripping taps and turn them off properly – a dripping hot water tap wastes energy and enough hot water in one week to fill half a bath.

In the kitchen, only boil as much water as you need when making a cuppa.

If you’re not filling up your washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, use the half-load or economy programme and use the washing machine’s 30°C wash if possible, saving you up to three-quarters the cost of the hottest cycle. Turn off the hot water supply to your washing machine. Very few washing machines or dishwashers fill enough for the hot water to reach it from wherever your combi or storage cylinder might be, all you are doing is filling a pipe with hot water which simply then goes cold. Most machines have their own integral heating element for hot washes anyway.

Grant Funding

There are many government grants on offer. If you are over 60, own your own home and are not claiming various benefits, contact us and we may be able to apply for a £300.00 voucher from Warmfront, redeemable against a new boiler or major repair.

If you currently heat your home with solid fuel or electricity and want to switch fuels to gas, you may be eligible for an “A1 Low Carbon Solutions” grant of £500.00. This could be as much as £1300.00 if you are over 70. Please contact us for details.

Other grants available include loft & cavity wall insulation. Pound for pound these are by far the most cost effective ways of keeping your heat in as a huge amount of warmth goes straight up and out of your roof. The next time it snows have a look round your neighbours’ roofs and spot the ones with no snow on, a sure sign of a poorly lagged loft! Make sure yours isn’t one of them. Contact your local authority for information on funding.

Switching energy suppliers

None of us likes the hassle of changing energy suppliers but lets face it, most people spend longer choosing lunch in a fast food restaurant than we do over who provides one of the largest household expenses, and for how much!

For the sake of an hour or so on the phone or online, find yourself the best deal. It may save you hundreds of pounds per year! Well worth the effort.

Energywatch, the independent watchdog for gas and electricity consumers, offers free information and advice on how to switch suppliers at energywatch.org.uk or on its helpline 08459 060708. Once you’ve got that advice, go to one of the comparison websites to work out which suppliers would be best for you and how much cash you’d save by switching. Websites that are worth checking out include: theenergyshop.com, uswitch.com, moneysupermarket.com and energyhelpline.com

Potterton Gas Boilers

As one of the heating industry’s leading innovators, British manufacturer Potterton has all the answers when it comes to high efficiency heating. The Potterton Gold Combi HE for instance, boasts a three year parts and labour warranty, integral clock and a choice of flue systems for total freedom of boiler siting. It has been awarded “Best Buy” by Which? Magazine in 2006 and in 2007. No mean feat in a highly competitive industry and one of the reasons why Mayne Gas Heating Ltd recommends and installs Potterton products.

Potterton has a wide range of boilers that operate on natural gas or LPG. The Potterton gas boiler range includes the Promax Combi, as well as the Promax heat only and Promax system boilers. By replacing a boiler that is over 15 years old, you could save on your heating bills and reduce your impact on the environment.

As every home is different, we advise that you arrange a survey with one of our Corgi registered professionals who can give advice and help with the selection of an appropriate replacement appliance, as many consumers find it a little confusing with such terms as condensing boiler, high efficiency boiler and combination boiler. Once explained it all becomes quite simple, even to a complete layman.

When a gas appliance operates properly, it is more efficient, that means it saves you money and provides safe and reliable comfort during the winter.

However, there are a number of steps that consumers can take on their own to help their heating systems operate optimally. Consumers should inspect their boiler & the flue terminal for soot or signs of rust, which may be the result of an improperly adjusted burner or worse. In this case, call a Corgi registered engineer.

If heating equipment is old and needs to be replaced, call a contractor who is properly licensed. It’s always advisable to ask for a Corgi card. Alternatively call the Corgi Helpline on 0800 9150485 or visit www.trustcorgi.com where you will be able to find a local engineer you can trust.