Heating and Cooling

Heating our homes accounts the largest proportion of our domestic climate change emissions. Climate change is also predicted to cause more summer heat with more cases of heat stress and skin cancer.

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, consider a top up.

• Installing cavity wall insulation could save you a further £110 per year and insulating solid walls can save up to £300 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 owners 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 and reflective panels to your radiators 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.

Bills

• Consider switching to electricity generated from renewable sources. Contact your supplier or a utility switching organisation. Check out how much the supplier invesrs in renewable energy.

Keep Cool and Safe

Whether working or playing outside in hot weather, follow these precautions to keep safe:

• Avoid sun exposure between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest.

• Wear sun protection if you are outside for prolonged periods even if it is cloudy.

• Reduce the effects of heat waves - close curtains and blinds in unoccupied rooms during the day.If you do go outside between these times cover-up, wear a hat and sunglasses and apply plenty of suntan lotion.

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