Energy Efficiency Advice

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Energy efficiency in the home is key to saving money on your fuel bills. We have trained energy advisors who are here to help you save energy at home.

Ridgewater Energy are:

  • An advice and consultancy service, which can provide free advice on home energy efficiency with 20 years of experience behind us.
  • Knowledgeable of your geographical area and understand the local housing stock. For example, we can help you determine whether or not your house has cavity walls.
  • Able to advise you on any grants and offers that may be available to help towards the costs of installing measures, in some cases for free.
  • Can recommend suitably qualified tradespeople who are tried and tested to deliver high-quality service and workmanship.

Zero-cost ways to save energy in the home:

  • Close your curtains at dusk.
  • Always use saucepan lids.
  • Use the right size pan on the right size burner and use lids on your saucepans.
  • Do not leave electrical items on standby.
  • Turn off unwanted lighting.
  • Only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need.
  • Unplug electrical items.
  • Turn the room thermostat down by 1 degree.
  • Always use a plug (not electrical) when running water from a tap.
  • Wash up in a bowl, rather than under a running tap.
  • Consider switching fuel supplier; you can usually save money if you do!
  • To switch, use an Ofgem-accredited switching site, such as USwitch or UK Power.

Low to medium-cost ways to save energy in the home:

  • Use low-energy LED light bulbs in every light fitting.
  • Fit a hot water tank jacket if you have an uninsulated tank.
  • Fit thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs).
  • Fit a timer or passive infrared (PIR) to control outside security lighting.
  • Use a thermal lining to line your curtains.
  • Draught-proof doors and windows and fill gaps in floorboards and around pipes.
  • Fit reflective radiator panels behind radiators on external walls.

Other ways to save energy with higher capital cost:

  • Consider a high-efficiency condensing boiler when you are replacing yours.
  • Buy a smart thermostat so you can control your heating more accurately.
  • Insulate your home with 270mm-300mm of loft insulation.
  • Install cavity wall insulation.
  • If you have solid walls, get a quote to find out how much it costs for solid wall insulation.
  • Consider renewable energy technology, such as Solar PV or Solar Thermal.
Download Energy Efficiency Advice Resource