Energy conscious Brits switch on to Energy Saving Measures
In the run up to Big Energy Saving Week (22 to 27 October 2012), a new survey by comparison website, Gocompare.com reveals measures energy conscious Brits have taken over the last five years to improve the efficiency of their home.
Energy efficient light bulbs top the list with 61 per cent of those surveyed making the switch, while a third of householders have reduced the amount of heat escaping from their rooftop by improving their loft insulation.
The survey of over 2,000 people revealed that:
61 per cent have changed to energy efficient light bulbs
33 per cent have improved their loft insulation
31 per cent have bought more energy efficient appliances
A quarter have installed a new boiler
23 per cent have installed double glazing
19 per cent have installed cavity wall insulation
18 per cent have draught-proofed windows or doors
8 per cent have installed a smart meter
3 per cent have installed solar panels
19 per cent of Brits said they hadn't taken any of the above steps to improve the energy efficiency of their home in the last five years.
Mark Greening head of home services at Gocompare.com commented, "Gas and electricity prices have increased substantially over the last five years, and with last week's announcement that British Gas and Npower will be increasing their charges, it's not surprising that householders are looking for effective ways to manage their bills by reducing their energy consumption. And, it needn't cost a packet. There are several relatively low cost things you can do to reduce the amount of energy you burn and to stop heat escaping from your home. Replacing old light bulbs with energy efficient ones, insulating the loft and walls of your home and draught-proofing doors and windows, are among the lower cost options which over a short period time can have a big impact on the amount of fuel used.
"Another good way to save on your utility bills is to shop around using a comparison site like Gocompare.com to compare the deals currently available and check that you are not paying over the odds for your gas and electricity. Switching suppliers isn't as difficult as you might think and the savings can be substantial. Gocompare.com customers could save up to £350.95 on their utility by simply switching supplier. It only takes a few minutes to enter a few details which can be found on your current gas or electricity supplier's bill."