Householders get help to cut energy bills

Herefordshire Council has published a booklet offering a wealth of advice on how residents can cut energy bills by reducing their energy and water use.

The booklet “Energy and water saving advice for householders” is packed full of useful hints on simple energy efficiency and water saving measures that can be a carried out by all householders to not only save money but also save the planet.

Councillor Phil Edwards, cabinet member for the environment, said: “Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge facing the world today and there are lots of ways in which each and every one of us can make a difference to reducing its impact on present and future generations. It is critical each and every one of us acts now and this booklet offers advice on how even simple changes to the way we live can make a big difference to the global picture.”

Some simple ways to reduce energy and water use are:

• Turn the heating thermostat down one degree. This could save 10 per cent on heating bills.
• Switch off lights when you don’t need them and don’t leave the TV, computer or stereo on standby. Standby uses up to eight per cent of all UK domestic energy.
• Turn the tap off when brushing teeth. Leaving the tap running wastes six litres of water per minute.
• Shower rather than taking a bath. This can save 300 litres of water a week.
• Install cavity wall insulation. This can reduce heat loss by 33 per cent.
• Replace boilers more than 15 years old. This could save up to 32 per cent on fuel bills.

Cutting the amount of household waste sent to landfill is also important in reducing impact on the environment and residents are urged to recycle by:

• Composting kitchen and garden waste
• Buying returnable/refillable bottles
• Giving unwanted items to charity shops
• Repairing broken items rather than replacing them
• Buying recycled products such as paper and tissues

The booklet also gives advice on grant schemes to help residents install energy efficiency measures as well as renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and hydro power.

Transport is also responsible for releasing significant amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and residents are urged to consider biodiesel fuel and car sharing if they must use a vehicle but, wherever possible, they are urged to use public transport, walk or cycle.

The booklet is available at libraries and Info shops in Herefordshire. A copy can also be requested by writing to Harry Fitch, 84 Whitecross Road, Hereford, HR4 ODH.