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Household energy use accounts for more than a quarter of all energy used in the UK, but the typical household wastes around a third of that energy each year. Space heating accounts for, on average 60% of the energy used and wasted. By highly insulating your home you could save energy, money and the environment.
U-Values
U-values measures how well a building component, e.g. a wall, roof or a window, keeps heat inside a building. The higher the U-value the more heat flows through so a good U-value is a low one as you want to keep heat inside the building (or outside depending on the climate you live in).
To demonstrate the differences between U-Values we have used the following example: -
Heating required to heat a room 4m long x 4m wide x 2.4m high:-
at 0.35 W/m2.k U-Value = 706 Watts (Building Regulation minimum standard)
at 0.30 W/m2.k U-Value = 666 Watts = 6% saving
at 0.25 W/m2.k U-Value = 627 Watts = 12% saving
at 0.20 W/m2.k U-Value = 587 Watts = 17% saving
at 0.15 W/m2.k U-Value = 548 Watts = 23% saving
or the difference between 0.35 W/m2.k and 0.15 W/m2.k equates to a saving of 20 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy and at 7p per unit would save you £1.40 for every square meter of wall area each year. For an average 4 bedroom detached house that would equate to a saving of about £400 each year on space heating bills. ( or £24,000 over a 60 year lifetime of the building should energy price remain stable).
A further 30% savings would be expected when a mechanical ventillation system with heat recovery is incorporated.
 Energy Saving Lighting
Low energy light bulbs are essentially fluorescent tubes bent into a shape to fit into an ordinary light fitting. They use around a quarter to a fifth of the electricity used by an ordinary light bulb. Although they cost a lot more, this is outweighed by the fact they last for many years. This means that they save you time and trouble in not having to replace bulbs every few months, as well as reducing your electricity bill.
Energy Efficient Applicances
Energy efficient appliances use less energy than inefficient ones, while performing to the same standards. This means efficient appliances cost less to run, so they save you money every time you use them.
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