Solutions for your energy bills
Struggling consumers do have a solution to their increasing energy problems, claims a Midlands expert.
Ron Fox was commenting on figures released this month by figures released by the Office of National Statistics which showed that the average household consumption of gas fell by 11.3 per cent between 2001 and 2011.
But despite that reduction the amount people spent in the same period on keeping warm still rose by 23.5 per cent.
“Two ways to save money in the long term by cutting your bills,” said Ron, “are to insulate your home better and put a solar thermal system on your roof which gives you much cheaper hot water as it is powered and paid for by sunlight – and doesn’t use fossil fuels.”
His comments were backed up by Ann Robinson, director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, who said: ‘In the last six years the average household energy bill has rocketed from £660 to £1,252 a year – a £592 or 90per cent increase.
“In fact, this last winter alone, more than eight in ten households cut down or rationed their energy use because of cost.
She added: “Consumers now have to understand that the only way energy bills are going is up and energy efficiency, such as insulation, as one of the key ways to protect ourselves from these higher costs.
Ron suggests the best solution is to spray foam your loft with a system such as the Icynene Insulation System which is an environmentally friendly investment for your home and comes with a lifetime warranty.
This non-toxic 100 per cent, water blown, soft spray insulation system forms an air-tight seal in the attic and reduces heating bills by up to 50 per cent as it literally stops heat going up through the roof.
With an average UK heating bill of £1,200 householders can save up to £600 a year, every year.
Although it costs up to £3,000 to have the average 60 square metres of attic space spray foamed the good news is that the Government charges VAT at only 5 per cent compared to the normal 20 per cent.
Ron added that now is the time to put a four-metre square solar thermal system on the roof of your house, especially as the Government is offering a cash incentive for the next three months.
He said it cuts energy costs saving 24 per cent a year or £188.64 on an average UK heating bill of £786 and during the summer it should provide all hot water needs for a home and about half during the rest of the year. Residents will need to heat the water further with a boiler or immersion heater during the winter months.
The good news is that until August 1 the Government is giving a £300 Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) towards the £5,500-£6,000 cost of installing a solar thermal unit. For more details go to www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Also the Government will be giving an RHI, a renewable heating incentive, which is an index linked and annual tax free payment and which should be in operation by this October.
Ron added: “The returns from a solar thermal unit can be better than a bank account or a pension.”
For more details about insulation or solar thermal systems call Ron on 01782 756995 or request a call back.
