Introduction to Hot Water Cylinders
There are two types of hot water cylinders found in homes today. The newer pressurised unvented hot water tanks and the older style vented hot water tanks. Unvented hot water cylinders Unvented hot water cylinders were only made legal in…
Biomass boilers vs conventional gas boilers
Comparing the cost of biomass boilers with conventional boilers Biomass boilers start at about £7,000 for a 12kW domestic version, which is sufficient to provide heat and hot water for a 4-bed house. A comparably sized gas boiler will only cost…
Energy Monitors
[Update: From now on, energy monitors will largely be replaced by modern ‘smart meters’. Find information on smart meters here.] What is an energy monitor? Energy monitors do very much what they say on the tin – they are used…
What is the Green Homes Grant?
The Green Deal is a new Government initiative to help increase the energy efficiency of homes across the UK, with no upfront costs for the households.
Draught Proofing Floors
What type of floor do I have? Most floors in the UK are either solid (concrete) or suspended (usually timber floorboards). Solid floors don’t really tend to have draught issues associated with them, but suspended timber floors are definitely worth…
Draught Proofing Doors
Where should I look for draughts? Around the door frame The keyhole The letterbox Obviously draught proofing external doors should be the priority, since this will stop cold outside air entering the property; but doors that separate cold rooms from…
Installing Cavity Wall Insulation
What materials can you use for cavity wall insulation? There are two major types of cavity wall insulation: expanded polystyrene and wool. Properties typically used to be insulated with urea formaldehyde foam, but this is no longer used. Expanded polystyrene…
Green Energy And Environment Policy 1970s
1970s saw green energy and environment policy form in a largely volatile period, particularly characterised by two oil crises and big economic uncertainty.
Renewables Obligation
The Renewables Obligation mechanism subsidises electricity produced from commercial renewable resources in the UK.
Tap Aerators
Installing a tap aerator helps decrease the volume of water coming out of the tap, therefore helping you to save on water and heating bills.