Get moving and save energy this winter in Haslington
New build homeowners near Crewe could save money on their fuel bills this winter thanks to a host of energy efficient features.
As Big Energy Saving Week gets underway (October 26-30), Elan Homes, currently building new homes at Vicarage Fields in Haslington, is raising awareness of the savings that can be made by opting to move to a brand new home.
Marie Morris, sales director for Elan Homes in the North, said: “Research conducted by the National Home Building Council (NHBC) and Zero Carbon Hub suggests that families living in a four-bedroom home built to 2013 standards are likely to spend £1,050 on energy bills a year - that’s £1,410 less than those living in an upgraded Victorian property.”
The energy saving features of Elan’s homes at Vicarage Fields, include:
Insulation levels installed to beyond NHBC standards - including wall, floor and loft insulation.
High efficiency gas fired central heating system with thermostatically controlled radiators and twin zone
Mains pressured hot water system with electronic programmer
PVCu double glazed windows
Pendant light fittings all supplied with energy efficient light bulbs
In addition to moving home, there are many ways residents can save even more by following these six quick wins, courtesy of The Energy Saving Trust:
Six quick wins to save energy
1. Understand your bill
The information on a typical energy bill can be confusing. But understanding it can go a long way to helping you get to grips with your energy use. There’s a helpful guide on the Citizens Advice website.
2. Switch off standby
You can save around £30 a year just by remembering to turn your appliances off standby mode. Almost all electrical and electronic appliances can be turned off at the plug without upsetting their programming. You may want to think about getting a standby saver which allows you to turn all your appliances off standby in one go.
3. Careful in your kitchen
You can save around £50 a year just by using your kitchen appliances more carefully:
- Use a bowl to wash up rather than a running tap and save £30 a year in energy bills.
- Only fill the kettle with the amount of water that you need and save around £7 a year.
- Cutback your washing machine use by just one cycle per week and save £5 a year on energy, and a further £8 a year on metered water bills.
4. Spend less time in the shower
Spending one minute less in the shower each day will save £10 off your energy bills each year, per person. With a water meter this will save a further £15 off annual water and sewerage bills.
5. Take control of your heating
More than half the money spent on fuel bills goes towards providing heating and hot water. Using a room thermostat, programmer and thermostatic radiator valves could save you between £80 and £165 a year. Even turning down your room thermostat by just one degree can save between £85 and £90 a year.?
6. Turn off lights
Turn your lights off when you’re not using them. If you switch a light off for just a few seconds, you will save more energy than it takes for the light to start up again, regardless of the type of light. This will save you around £15 on your annual energy bills.
For more information about Big Energy Saving Week visit energysavingtrust.org.uk/BESW2015
Current availability at Vicarage Fields includes a choice of four-bedroom properties, priced from £254,995.
For more information, visit Vicarage open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm, see elan-homes.co.uk/haslington.
