Spring is here. Temperatures are rising and life is beginning to bloom again, which should mean that mean households will be reaching for the off switch on their central heating.
After a few cold snaps this winter many people will be hoping the change of season will mean their fuel bills will drop, which could free up a few pounds for renovations. And while it may seem this "age of austerity" is all about cut backs and gloom, there are lots of ways of spending a little on your house to secure a cheaper future.
This week's Government's budget provided more financial incentives to support the upcoming Green Deal. Provided for in last year's Energy Bill, the Green Deal aims to help households and businesses make energy efficiency improvements without having to "front up" the cash. At the moment some of the cheaper options, such as cavity wall insulation are covered under the Golden Rules of the deal, whereby cost savings households make must be lower than the amount they are loaned for refitting.
The Green Deal is due to be launched in 2012, which coincides with a government backed nationwide roll-out of smart meters.
The Energy Saving Trust estimates that around 26 million households will be fitted with a smart meter by 2020. It is expected the near real time data and single hub electronic monitoring that smart meters will provide is going to be very beneficial in helping consumers track household energy consumption, as well as helping identify areas where the climate change battle can best be fought.
As households begin to get clearer information on where energy consumption in their homes may be too high, smart meters will help with educated choices on what energy efficiency improvements can be taken. One of the most effective, and one that currently qualifies for the Green Deal, is cavity wall insulation. The process involves filling the gap commonly found in external walls in homes built in the early part of the 20th century.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, households could save around £110-a-year on heating bills following cavity wall insulation. It's a measure that repeatedly pays for itself as the better insulated your home, the less energy you need to keep it warm - and the more money you'll save.
Britain's "smart grid" will be one of the most sophisticated in the world and suppliers of technology needed to install and run the system are locked in competition to secure contracts.
Telecommunications and information technology companies are looking to develop systems that will create hub of data collection and information. It is thought that energy companies will be able to bill consumers more accurately - while at the same time offering more transparency on rates. This should mean households can better regulate their energy consumption, such as ensuring high powered appliances are not overused.
So, the change of season could mark a change in direction for how people improve and run their homes - by investing a little in new technology, lots of money could be saved in long term.
Post a comment