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Eco-tips for homeowners that don’t cost the world

New research conducted by the Energy Saving Trust reveals that making UK homes energy efficient would cost less than £3000 per house.

There are a number of ways in which a house can be bought up to average green standards for under £3000 including insulation (whether attic or cavity wall) and installing a new boiler, specifically, a condensing boiler.

1. Insulation
Effective roof insulation could make savings of up to 15-20 per cent on your heating bill each year and so pay-back can be achieved in as little as two to three years. Additional savings can also be made quite easily by using left over insulation materials to wrap around piping and water tanks to prevent further heat loss.

2. Boilers
Installing a new boiler will also make significant savings; The Energy Savings Trust estimates this to be up to £200 per year for the equivalent of 1.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Prices start from around £400 for a condensing boiler and home-owners can choose from gas, electric or oil fired.

3. Secondary glazing
The installation of a secondary glazing system can be fitted easily to the window frame. A whole house can be done for as little as £700 with savings of around 40 per cent to your energy bill each year. These are easily installed and perfect for older or listed properties where you can’t change the windows.

4. Water consumption
30 per cent of our water consumption comes from the toilet. Either flush less or install a displacement device which will reduce the amount of water used per flush, saving as much as 40 per cent of water annually.

Fix any dripping tap – it will save as much as 5000 litres of water a year! If you are looking for an excuse not do the dishes then use your dishwasher – it uses less water and saves approximately £15 per year.

5. Keeping it simple
Install under-door insulation by stuffing an old woolen stocking with unwanted clothes. The old fashioned ‘snake’ can cut down on a huge amount of wasted heat.

Don’t forget that the energy saving light bulbs cost as little as £3 and can save you up to £40 per year.

Visit Masterclass and Real Homes Live Theatre at the show to find out more on how to ‘ecovate’ your home.

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