Happenned to be listening to Jeremy Vine on Radio 2 lunchtime today, with lots of talk about energy saving hints & tips. I guess you can catch it on iPlayer to hear the whole debate.
Most of what they were saying is information that we have said here many times before
# make sure your home is well insulated
# make sure your appliances are efficient
# check if you can get grants before embarking on any new / upgrade installations (a good place to check this is on the excellent energy saving trust website, where they have a grantfinder to highlight your options)
# make sure you use properly trained and accredited companies to undertake any installation work. Traditional central heating boilers can only be worked on by registered gas safe (Corgi) fitters. The newer technologies (solar panels, PV, wind turbines) are not yet as regulated allowing some unscruulous operators in at the moment.
# be sure the outlay and payback makes sense for you, even if mitigated by carbon neutral or green aspirations.
The other thing that came out in the discussion was the movement in tariffs. As winter approaches we will all start using more fuel, so as well as optimising your usage, make sure you are on the best deal from your supplier - and usually the only way you can get this is to switch.
It was nice to hear some of the debate coming into the mainstream (if Radio 2 counts as mainstream) and to hear endorsement for the ideas I have been outlining through this blog.
As a practicing Energy assessor I do have a vested interest to follow these things, and if you live in the Surrey or SW London area and think I can help, please get in touch.
Friday 1 October 2010
Wednesday 29 September 2010
Sell your energy
Heard about making money by generating your own electricity? Let's try & put this into perspective.
Utility companies are required to source a percentage of their energy from renewable energy providers, to assist in cutting carbon dioxide emissions. Energy companies will buy the surplus electricity created from a Solar PV system as this helps the energy supplier to meet their requirement.
During daylight hours, the electricity generated by the Solar Photovoltaic (solar PV) system will supply the home and any energy produced which is not required will be sold to the nominated electricity supplier through an approved import/export meter. During periods of high energy use in the home, or when the Solar PV system is unproductive, electricity can be bought back from the network to supplement the Solar PV power supply.
If you are considering installing or have had a renewable technology commissioned which creates electricity, such as a Solar Photovoltaic Electricity, it is likely you will be able to get paid for the electricity it generates. Most of the major utility providers offer a buy back scheme which can often be easy and quick to join.
How do you get paid? - via a teriff, or fee for the electricity you generate. there are two types of tariff to consider
Export Tariffs - You will only be paid for the electricity generated that is exported back to the National Grid and therefore not used in the property.
Generation Tariffs - You will be paid for all the electricity that you generate, regardless whether it is used in the property, this is usually a lower tariff than the export tariff.
To ensure you chose the right package for your needs, carefully check the details with each utility provider to ensure it is the correct buy back tariff for you and it meets your needs.
There are other points to consider relating to the newly introduced Feed in Tariffs (FITs) and Renewable Obligation Certificates, but that's for another day.
As always, before embarking on any implementation of such you should take considered advice from experts. In terms of the efficiencies of making these installations in your home, an Energy adviser should be able to help. The Utility companies will be able to advise on tariffs in your area.
finally a word of warning. some of the less reputable installation companies are now offering free installation of PV or solar hot water to give you improved energy use in your home. BUT... you would typically sign over to them the tariff payments for future electricity you generate from the installation, and in the long run, this will make you more money than the cost savings on offer, so consider such things very carefully.
Utility companies are required to source a percentage of their energy from renewable energy providers, to assist in cutting carbon dioxide emissions. Energy companies will buy the surplus electricity created from a Solar PV system as this helps the energy supplier to meet their requirement.
During daylight hours, the electricity generated by the Solar Photovoltaic (solar PV) system will supply the home and any energy produced which is not required will be sold to the nominated electricity supplier through an approved import/export meter. During periods of high energy use in the home, or when the Solar PV system is unproductive, electricity can be bought back from the network to supplement the Solar PV power supply.
If you are considering installing or have had a renewable technology commissioned which creates electricity, such as a Solar Photovoltaic Electricity, it is likely you will be able to get paid for the electricity it generates. Most of the major utility providers offer a buy back scheme which can often be easy and quick to join.
How do you get paid? - via a teriff, or fee for the electricity you generate. there are two types of tariff to consider
Export Tariffs - You will only be paid for the electricity generated that is exported back to the National Grid and therefore not used in the property.
Generation Tariffs - You will be paid for all the electricity that you generate, regardless whether it is used in the property, this is usually a lower tariff than the export tariff.
To ensure you chose the right package for your needs, carefully check the details with each utility provider to ensure it is the correct buy back tariff for you and it meets your needs.
There are other points to consider relating to the newly introduced Feed in Tariffs (FITs) and Renewable Obligation Certificates, but that's for another day.
As always, before embarking on any implementation of such you should take considered advice from experts. In terms of the efficiencies of making these installations in your home, an Energy adviser should be able to help. The Utility companies will be able to advise on tariffs in your area.
finally a word of warning. some of the less reputable installation companies are now offering free installation of PV or solar hot water to give you improved energy use in your home. BUT... you would typically sign over to them the tariff payments for future electricity you generate from the installation, and in the long run, this will make you more money than the cost savings on offer, so consider such things very carefully.
Friday 24 September 2010
Trick yourself warmer
as the weather takes on a decidedly Autumnal feel, it's natural to think about how to stay warm.
In terms of your house, then insulation, particularly in the loft is the obvious place to start. current best practice os for a minimum of 250mm (10inches) of standard insulation, so check what you've got and top it up. remember to leave an air space at the eaves though, air must be able to circulate or you could create problems of damp or condensation.
Why not insulate yourself, putting on a jumper is infinitely more cost effective than turning on/up the heating, so get that winter wardrobe dusted down.
Finally - trick yourself warm. Psychologically if you can see a naked flame, you WILL feel warmer, so light a candle. It brightens up the decor in a room, and makes you feel better and has more or less no energy impact.
In terms of your house, then insulation, particularly in the loft is the obvious place to start. current best practice os for a minimum of 250mm (10inches) of standard insulation, so check what you've got and top it up. remember to leave an air space at the eaves though, air must be able to circulate or you could create problems of damp or condensation.
Why not insulate yourself, putting on a jumper is infinitely more cost effective than turning on/up the heating, so get that winter wardrobe dusted down.
Finally - trick yourself warm. Psychologically if you can see a naked flame, you WILL feel warmer, so light a candle. It brightens up the decor in a room, and makes you feel better and has more or less no energy impact.
Friday 17 September 2010
A Kettle for your thoughts
Well, summer is over, the morning and evenings are cooling down, schools are in and students will be going back to University in the next couple of weeks, so no more excuses, time to get back into blogland.
So here's a quick thing to get the ball rolling as it were.
We had occasion to buy a new kettle the other day, nothing particular here, the old one had served us well and just gave up the ghost. Now I'm not going to tell you that I have found an eco friendly green alternative for the humble domestic kettle, but rather to comment on a leaflet that was in the box - this was hints and tips on how you should use the kettle in a 'green' way. The main thing here was obviously only boil as much water as you need - don't fill the kettle to the top every time you use it. what brought this home to me though was the additional information - if everyone in the UK only boiled the water they needed the saving would provide the power to light all UK streetlights for seven months - WOW. It also said that if you only boil the water you need, then you could save up to 66% energy - which would pay for the kettle within a year!
It's also nice to see the manufacturers taking a responsible attitude on such things and 'spreading the word'
My work as an energy assessor looks at the bigger aspects of home energy efficiency, but these little sometimes make just as much impact.
So the next time you boil that kettle.......
So here's a quick thing to get the ball rolling as it were.
We had occasion to buy a new kettle the other day, nothing particular here, the old one had served us well and just gave up the ghost. Now I'm not going to tell you that I have found an eco friendly green alternative for the humble domestic kettle, but rather to comment on a leaflet that was in the box - this was hints and tips on how you should use the kettle in a 'green' way. The main thing here was obviously only boil as much water as you need - don't fill the kettle to the top every time you use it. what brought this home to me though was the additional information - if everyone in the UK only boiled the water they needed the saving would provide the power to light all UK streetlights for seven months - WOW. It also said that if you only boil the water you need, then you could save up to 66% energy - which would pay for the kettle within a year!
It's also nice to see the manufacturers taking a responsible attitude on such things and 'spreading the word'
My work as an energy assessor looks at the bigger aspects of home energy efficiency, but these little sometimes make just as much impact.
So the next time you boil that kettle.......
Tuesday 27 July 2010
Feed in Tariffs
Phew, a busy few weeks, but am glad to be back in blogland again.
Feed in Tariffs (or FITS) what are they and what have they to do with energy efficiency ?
In simple terms, they are incentive payments from the government for people who generate their own electricity, so if you have photovoltaics or solar panels installed you should be eligible for these payments. The change since April this year, is that you now get these payments even if you use the electiricity yourself.
So, you save money by not using power supplied by the National Grid, you can even make money if you have surplus power, by selling back to the National Grid. You make money because you receive the FITS payment for being a micro power generator, which is index linked for the next 20+ years.
What's the downside? The capital outlay for whatever form of micro generation you are installing, as well as the aesthetic impact on your property of these installations.
Want to find out more? I could say look at the national press for adverts from green energy providers, undoubtedly they will be delighted to give you lots of information, but ultimately they are trying to sell you their solution so may not be the best place to start. The Energy Saving trust website is usually packed with all sorts of information that will help your research - so why not start there.
If you get to the point where you are serious, don't forget your local planning office. Regulations are much more straightforward now, so they should be pleased to help.
So what's the final word? If you are interested in green energy, the incentives have never been better, but you still need to assess that it is an investment you want to make because the initial outlay can be expensive. even if you typically could save/earn £700+ per annum from your installation that is probably at least a 10 year payback on your investment.
Feed in Tariffs (or FITS) what are they and what have they to do with energy efficiency ?
In simple terms, they are incentive payments from the government for people who generate their own electricity, so if you have photovoltaics or solar panels installed you should be eligible for these payments. The change since April this year, is that you now get these payments even if you use the electiricity yourself.
So, you save money by not using power supplied by the National Grid, you can even make money if you have surplus power, by selling back to the National Grid. You make money because you receive the FITS payment for being a micro power generator, which is index linked for the next 20+ years.
What's the downside? The capital outlay for whatever form of micro generation you are installing, as well as the aesthetic impact on your property of these installations.
Want to find out more? I could say look at the national press for adverts from green energy providers, undoubtedly they will be delighted to give you lots of information, but ultimately they are trying to sell you their solution so may not be the best place to start. The Energy Saving trust website is usually packed with all sorts of information that will help your research - so why not start there.
If you get to the point where you are serious, don't forget your local planning office. Regulations are much more straightforward now, so they should be pleased to help.
So what's the final word? If you are interested in green energy, the incentives have never been better, but you still need to assess that it is an investment you want to make because the initial outlay can be expensive. even if you typically could save/earn £700+ per annum from your installation that is probably at least a 10 year payback on your investment.
Wednesday 7 July 2010
Heat Rises
In one of my recent missives, I was talking about natural convection and heat rising through a house.
This prompted a question asking whether removing loft insulation in summer was a good idea?
I think this is probably very impractical for 99% of houses, but it did get me thinking. I was in fact up in the loft space the other day and even though(as you might expect) I have a well insulated loft ther heat in the roof space was still quite high. This can be caused by two things, the obvious one is that heat is being convected into the roof space by sunlight coming on to the roof, here the insulation in the floor of the loft will act as a barrier and stop this heat going down into the house. Otherwise natural convection in the house means that through the day, heat will still find a way to rise through gaps around loft hatches and the like.
If we believe that hot air will rise and you do want to do something about this, then perhaps another alternative is to install a couple of Velux style windows in your loft. Opening these during the day, particularly later in the day, when heat has built up, would allow the heat to dissipate.
In economic terms it is probably hard to justify this investment, unless you do want daylight in your loft space, but as a theoretical muse it is worth a thought.
As a practicing energy consultant, it behoves me to have these lateral thoughts from time to time - now, how can I find an energy efficient way of dispelling heat from my greenhouse?????
This prompted a question asking whether removing loft insulation in summer was a good idea?
I think this is probably very impractical for 99% of houses, but it did get me thinking. I was in fact up in the loft space the other day and even though(as you might expect) I have a well insulated loft ther heat in the roof space was still quite high. This can be caused by two things, the obvious one is that heat is being convected into the roof space by sunlight coming on to the roof, here the insulation in the floor of the loft will act as a barrier and stop this heat going down into the house. Otherwise natural convection in the house means that through the day, heat will still find a way to rise through gaps around loft hatches and the like.
If we believe that hot air will rise and you do want to do something about this, then perhaps another alternative is to install a couple of Velux style windows in your loft. Opening these during the day, particularly later in the day, when heat has built up, would allow the heat to dissipate.
In economic terms it is probably hard to justify this investment, unless you do want daylight in your loft space, but as a theoretical muse it is worth a thought.
As a practicing energy consultant, it behoves me to have these lateral thoughts from time to time - now, how can I find an energy efficient way of dispelling heat from my greenhouse?????
Thursday 1 July 2010
Low energy bulbs
Very interesting article in the national press today, saying that prices for low energy bulbs are going to jump at the end of the year. Why? because the subsidies that the big utility companies have been getting and passing on to the large retail outlets is going to stop.
The article went on to say that priority should / will be given to subsidising insulation solutions as this is seen as the most effective short term solution to reduce energy costs in running your home.
Based on my experience as a practicing Energy assessor, I would say that most people do think in terms of out of sight out of mind as far as loft space is concerned. A little extra lagging here can make a big difference, so the strategy is probably right. Low-E bulbs are now accepted as here to stay, so don't need the same 'push' to get them going and improving loft or wall insulation will produce better results than blanket use of low-e bulbs anyway.
However..... Forewarned is forearmed, buy a few low-e bulbs before Christmas, it gives you a couple of spares and you get them before the price hike.
The article went on to say that priority should / will be given to subsidising insulation solutions as this is seen as the most effective short term solution to reduce energy costs in running your home.
Based on my experience as a practicing Energy assessor, I would say that most people do think in terms of out of sight out of mind as far as loft space is concerned. A little extra lagging here can make a big difference, so the strategy is probably right. Low-E bulbs are now accepted as here to stay, so don't need the same 'push' to get them going and improving loft or wall insulation will produce better results than blanket use of low-e bulbs anyway.
However..... Forewarned is forearmed, buy a few low-e bulbs before Christmas, it gives you a couple of spares and you get them before the price hike.
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