Find out how on the Energy Saving Trust website.
Are there any grants available to help me make my home more energy efficient?
Depending on your age and the benefits you receive, you may be able to get a grant to make your home warmer, healthier and more energy efficient.
The government-backed scheme, Warm Front, can provide a free package of insulation and heating improvements.
Find out more on the Warm Front website.
If you have a query about the Warm Front scheme, you mailto:enquiry@eaga.com or call freephone 0800 316 2805
Some grants and schemes described on this website will not be available to tenants of St. Leger Homes of Doncaster Ltd.
What are the main ways to save energy in my home?
The top tips to save energy and lower your fuel bills are:
Draught-proof your home.
You can do this yourself by using brush or PVC seals on your outside doors. You should also cover your letterboxes and keyholes. You can also use newspaper, beading or sealant to fill gaps in floorboards and skirting boards.
• Switch off!
Turn down radiators in rooms you don't often use, and switch off lights that don't need to be on (always ensure stairs and other hazardous areas are well-lit when in use). Don't leave appliances such as TVs and phone chargers on standby – switch them off at the wall.
• Insulate your hot water tank.
This could save you about £20 a year and will pay for itself within a few months. Make sure you choose a tank jacket that is at least 75mm (3") thick.
• Use energy saving light bulbs.
These last about ten times longer than ordinary bulbs and should save you about £60 in electricity over the life of the bulb.
• Buy energy efficient appliances.
When you need to buy a new appliance, always look for the 'energy saving' logo. This could save you up to £37 a year.
Remember – you may be able to get a grant to help pay for the cost of making your home more energy efficient. (See the information above about grants.)
Is St. Leger doing anything to help make their homes more energy efficient?
As part of its work in bringing homes up to meet the government's Decent Homes standard, St. Leger Homes may be able to help you make your home more energy efficient.
You can find out more about the Decent Homes standard on the Directgov website and what St Leger Homes is doing on the Decent Homes information pages on the St Leger Homes website.
For example, depending on the results of a survey of your home, St. Leger may be able to:
• Install double glazing.
Double glazing will halve the heat loss from your windows and could cut your heating bill by about £90 a year. Choose windows that have the 'energy saving' logo. Also – remember to close your curtains at dusk to help keep the heat in.
• Install a high-efficiency boiler to replace inefficient heating systems such as coal or storage heaters.
This could save you up to £120 a year on your heating bills. These boilers are called 'condensing' boilers and convert 90% of the fuel they use into heat. Older boilers only convert about 60%.
• Insulate your loft.
Loft insulationis simple to lay and could save about £110 a year in heating bills. It is also a good idea to lag your pipes at the same time.
• Insulate your wall cavities if your walls are suitable.
You will lose about a third of your heat through walls that do not have insulation. Insulating them will save you up to about £90 a year on your heating bills.
• Install a thermally efficient door.
I don't know if there is any more I can do to save energy in my home
The Energy Saving Trust offers a free home energy check. This will give you a report about your home telling you how much more energy and money you might be able to save.
Where can I find more information about energy efficiency?
You can find out more details about the energy saving tips listed above on the Energy Saving Trust website.
You can also visit Doncaster Borough Council's website for information and energy saving tips on household appliances.
Some grants and schemes described on this website will not be available to tenants of St. Leger Homes of Doncaster Ltd.