Invitation to Hextable householders to cut their bills

Householders in Hextable can find out how to make their homes more energy efficient and at the same time reduce their bills by taking part in a free survey during June.

Sevenoaks District Council is writing to Hextable residents giving them the opportunity to take part in a free home energy efficiency survey by professional surveyors from the Kent Energy Centre.

The surveyors will advise on the best ways to reduce home energy consumption as well as offering cut-price loft and cavity wall insulation where appropriate.

Surveyors will be available to carry out the surveys from 11 to 15 June.

Cllr Carol Clark, the Council Cabinet member with responsibility for home energy efficiency, says: "This is a great opportunity for householders in Hextable to cut their energy consumption, save money and reduce their carbon emissions, which contribute to the serious problem of climate change."

According to the Energy Savings Trust, up to 35% of heat from a home is lost through the walls, whilst 25% could be lost through the roof.

Kent Energy Centre research suggests that homes with adequate cavity wall insulation could save between £130 to £160 and a further £180 to £220 for loft insulation where none currently exists.

Insulation starts at £150 and normally pays for itself through lower fuel bills in one to three years. Residents who receive benefits may qualify for free insulation grants.

Houses which need cavity wall insulation will usually have been built between 1930 and 1976. Those built before 1930 may have solid walls, whereas those built after 1976 will usually have filled cavity walls. Although most houses already have some loft insulation, many have less than the recommended level 270mm (or 11 inches). Kent Energy Centre can arrange for loft insulation to be topped up as well as installed for the first time.

Last year, residents of Otford and Shoreham took advantage of the free surveys and reduced cost insulation deals. Around 200 surveys were undertaken during the last year.

Sevenoaks District Council is working in partnership with the Kent Energy Centre to carry out the surveys. The Kent Energy Centre is a non-profit organisation offering free and impartial energy efficiency advice to residents throughout Kent. The Kent Energy Centre is supported and part funded by local authorities from across the county.

For more information or to book a survey contact the Kent Energy Centre for free on 0800 358 6669 (lines open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or e-mail enquiries@kentenergycentre.org.uk

The surveys operate on a first come first served basis.