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Highlights:
With fuel prices increasing and a growing trend towards environmentally friendly choices, these tips will help save money, protect the environment and keep you warm and safe this winter.
Full loft insulation could save around 20% of your heating costs and will pay for itself in 2 - 3 years.
The most efficient type are condensing boilers which use 30-40% less fuel.

Heating your home and water only when you need them will save around 50 annually.
If your radiators are against outside walls, put a layer of foil behind them to reflect heat back into the room.

With fuel prices increasing and a growing trend towards environmentally friendly choices, these tips will help save money, protect the environment and keep you warm and safe this winter.

1. INSULATE

Insulating your loft is a simple, cost effective way to improve the energy efficiency of your home. The recommended depth is 300mm, so check yours and top up if necessary. Full loft insulation could save around 20% of your heating costs and will pay for itself in 2 - 3 years.

Cavity wall insulation can save up to 35% on fuel bills and should be done by a reputable company. It generally takes less than a day to do, causes minimal disruption and will pay for itself in about 4 years.

2. DRAUGHT EXCLUDERS

Check your home for gaps around the doors, windows, skirting boards, floorboards, unused chimneys, cat flaps and letter boxes.

15% of your heating may be lost in this way.

Draught proofing is a cheap, DIY job that will pay for itself in 3-4 years.

3. BOILERS

One of the biggest contributors to high fuel bills is an inefficient boiler. If yours is over 15 years old, it might be more environmentally sound and economical, for you to replace it. The most efficient type are condensing boilers which use 30-40% less fuel.

Have boilers serviced annually to ensure they run efficiently.

Use an approved member of either CORGI, for gas appliances, or OFTEC, for oil fired appliances for any servicing, repair or installation.

4. PROGRAMMABLE TIMERS

Heating your home and water only when you need them will save around 50 annually. Get your system to work for you by investing in a programmable timer.

Turn the heating off an hour before bedtime and don't leave the heating on all day if you are out at work.

5. RADIATORS

Individual radiator thermostats control the radiator according to the room temperature. This gives more flexibility for having the heat where you want it. If your radiators are against outside

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