energy advice

Free, impartial advice is available to householders from trained energy advisors. Householders should call freephone 0800 093 1170 to speak to one of our expert advisors on how to save money on there bills and reduce their carbon footprint.

Our successful projects include:

  • The Barbrook Passivhaus Retrofit
  • South Devon Coastal Renewable Energy Network
  • North Devon Community Energy Efficiency Fund
  • Plymouth Warm Street
  • Devonport Regeneration Community Project
  • Family Energy and Benefit Support

For further information on these projects click here.

Energy efficiency

Making homes more energy efficient can save money by reducing fuel bills and help fight climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Most homes in Devon waste heat, on average, approximately 25% of heat is lost through the roof and 35% through the walls.

Making sure homes have sufficient insulation is a great way to save energy and money. The vast majority of money spent on fuel bills is on space and water heating - over 80% - therefore, focusing efforts in these areas is likely to have greater effect for our pockets as well as the environment.

This chart shows how improved insulation and heating efficiency saved energy for space heating in the UK. Without these improvements it is estimated that energy consumption would have been twice as high as its current level. Source: DECC, ECUK

In the UK the main types of insulation are loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, double glazing and hot water tank insulation.

All home owners and private tenants are entitled to discounts on loft and cavity wall insulation, regardless of income or savings. Householders over the age of 70 or in receipt of particular benefits may qualify to have these measures installed free of charge. For more information on this see our grants and discounts page.

There are many other ways to save energy in the home; from low and no cost measures such as drawing the curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping, not leaving appliances on standby and using low energy light bulbs where possible, buying energy saving recommended appliances when replacing, as well as home improvements such as updating an old boiler with a new energy efficient condensing model or generating at home. 

 

Domestic final energy consumption by end use, UK, 1970 to 2009

There is a clear rise in energy usage from 1970 to 2003 within the average household.  From 2003 the descend begins.

 

 

To find out how you can improve your home energy efficiency complete the Energy Saving Trust's online home energy check and receive a free report with recommendations for your home.

Energy saving products and appliances such as light bulbs, fridges and washing machines and condensing boilers could reduce your energy bills further. For more information on what is available click here.

Visit our information pages for online information.