A warmer home can cost less this winter
As the ‘household squeeze’ takes effect fuel poverty is a major concern for UK residents. With the threat of another severe winter, yet with fuel prices increasing, consumers are hesitant to switch on their heating. But, one savvy UK homeowner has discovered a solution to stay warm and save on his heating bills this winter.
Kevin Hackett, Estates Manager for a large NHS General Hospital, who lives in a typical 1960’s detached home in Northampton, has discovered that by changing his heating habits he has so far, since January 2011, saved a staggering £100 on his heating bills, compared to the same period in 2010.
Kevin explained: “We have gone through many energy price increases of late and I feel consumers are now becoming more discerning in their choices and purchasers. By being more aware of our heating requirements and the products available, it is possible to significantly reduce our heating bills.
“However, I made my discovery more by accident than intention. I was lucky enough to win a prize at a CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) event where I chose a set of Terrier i-temp Programmable Radiator Controls (PRC). Unknowingly I had happened upon a fantastic newly launched product that has managed to save me money during one of the most severe winters on record!”
Terrier i-temp is a device that simply replaces the common thermostatic radiator valve (TRV), found on most radiators, it gives the homeowner control over the time and temperature of each individual radiator. This means that even though a heating system is ‘on’, radiators can now been automatically and individually turned off, when not required, ensuring less energy is used.
The Energy Savings Trust has recognised the savings the Terrier i -temp can make leading it to be the first PRC of its kind to be included in the organisation’s list of recommended products.
“The installation and programming of the i-temp’s was quite simple,” continued Kevin. “We fitted the i-temps on radiators that we felt would most benefit from more controlled energy input; for example on the radiators in rooms that are not used all the time like our lounge, dining room and bedrooms but not the bathroom. I mainly used the pre-set configurations which were a great help.”
Using an easy to view LCD screen the Terrier i-temp offers pre programmes for bedroom and sitting room or a customisation program. Either way the PRC can be installed or programmed within minutes.
For Kevin, the installation of the Terrier i-temps has been a revelation, he said: “Since January 2011 there has been a month on month reduction in my gas usage compared with the same period last year. Our comfort has increased too as we have reduced the temperatures in rooms not occupied but increased the temperature in our living room. The real noticeable difference is in the morning where previously the whole house would be heated, now the rooms not used are held at about 10-12C whilst the rooms we need are a comfortable 20C.
“The valves also make warm up times quicker as the heat is only going in to the radiators we need! I would certainly recommend this product as a cost effective way to help save on energy bills, in fact it is something I would consider using in my professional capacity too.”
“This is a very cost effective product ideally suited to a home or even office environment,” commented Sindar Singh product market manager Pegler Yorkshire, the Yorkshire based company behind the product. “Significant investment combined with over 100 years of heating experience has been used to develop this innovative PRC to address important issues such as heat wastage, reducing carbon emissions and most importantly saving money.”
Compared to other energy saving installation methods, Terrier i-temp will save time and money and its performance payback could be realised within just eight months.
For further information about the Terrier i-temp, how it works, how to install, how to save money and where to buy visit, saveonheatingbills.co.uk. The product is now available at a variety of stockists (see online for details) sold individually or you can upgrade your whole house (based on 8 units) for less than £200 with the Terrier i-temp and reap the pay back rewards in just eight months.
For further information about any of Pegler Yorkshire’s products, visit pegleryorkshire.co.uk.