Heating and Cooling

Insulate Your Home

About 60% of your home’s warmth could be escaping through your roof and walls.

• Loft insulation is the most cost effective energy saving measure and is easy to install. Building regulations require new properties to have at least 270mm (10”) of loft insulation. If your loft has less than this, it is well worth having it topped up.

• Installing cavity wall insulation could save you a further £110 per year.

• Contact the Suffolk Energy Action Link (SEAL) for information on insulation schemes in your area. Grants up to 100% to private tenants and individuals in receipt of income or disability related benefits are also available from Warm Front.

Adjust Temperature Controls

• Turn your room heating down by just 1 or 2°C. For most households, by turning the thermostat down to 18°C you are unlikely to notice the difference, but your pocket will – saving £30/year for a standard three bedroom property.

• Installing thermostatic radiator valves will allow you to distribute heat to where you most want it.

Replace Inefficient Boilers

• If your boiler is more than 15 years old you could reduce your heating bill by up to a third by fitting an energy efficient condensing boiler. Contact the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre Anglia for advice.

Bills

• Consider switching to a green tariff supplier who sells energy generated from renewable sources. Contact your current supplier or a utility switching organisation. When doing so, find out how much the company invests in new sources of renewable energy.

Keep Cool and Safe

Whether you are working or playing outside in hot weather, take the following precautions to keep safe:

• The sun is at its strongest between the hours of 11am and 3pm when.If you do go outside between these times cover-up, wear a hat and sunglasses and apply plenty of suntan lotion.

• Cloudy weather does not protect skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Wear sun protection if you are outside for prolonged periods even if there is cloud about.

• Skin is damaged by the sun most before the age of 18. Pay particular attention to youngsters who are out in the sun.

• Take regular breaks and have frequent non-alcoholic drinks.

• Work in the shade if possible.

• Minimise the effects of summer heat waves by closing curtains and blinds in unoccupied rooms during the daytime.

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