The Hour

Heating bills can soar around this time of year as the dreaded December bumper energy bill comes through but this does not mean you should go without a warm, cosy house to enjoy the festive season in.

Preventative measures such as loft insulation are now being recommended by energy saving experts as the best way to save money in the long-term.

“If you insulate your home, you are going to save a lot of money and be warmer and more comfortable,” Mike Thornton from Energy Saving Trust said.

“It is miles better than keeping your money in the bank – you are looking at payback in two years and saving money forever after that.”

As well as loft insulation, you could also save money on your bills by cavity wall insulation or by using an air source heat pump, with such techniques saving you around 15% on your annual heating bills.

“That is maybe about £150 every year for 40 years,” Thornton said.

Elaine Colliar was keen to save money on her energy bills but could not afford the initial cost involved. However, after hearing about a new project from the Scottish Government, she was able to apply and receive the financial help needed.

“It’s really simple,” Colliar said. “There’s a new project from the Scottish Government. You phone up a number, they take you through an online form and they find out whether you are eligible.

“Next thing you know, the guys from Scottish Gas are coming out and installing a brand new central heating system and loads of insulation, making the house nice and toasty.”

Energy efficiency measures will be offered to low-income households but higher-income households may be offered measures at a discount. Families with a child under five or a disabled child under 16, pregnant women and those aged between 60 plus, are being particularly encouraged to apply for assistance.

“They have widened the people that are eligible,” Colliar said. “So if you think you might be, get in there and apply. You could be entitled to some money to make your house warmer.”

For more information on whether you are eligible for these schemes call Saving Trust on 0800 512 012 or visit the website www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Heating bills can soar around this time of year as the dreaded December bumper energy bill comes through but this does not mean you should go without a warm, cosy house to enjoy the festive season in.

Preventative measures such as loft insulation are now being recommended by energy saving experts as the best way to save money in the long-term.

“If you insulate your home, you are going to save a lot of money and be warmer and more comfortable,” Mike Thornton from Energy Saving Trust said.

“It is miles better than keeping your money in the bank – you are looking at payback in two years and saving money forever after that.”

As well as loft insulation, you could also save money on your bills by cavity wall insulation or by using an air source heat pump, with such techniques saving you around 15% on your annual heating bills.

“That is maybe about £150 every year for 40 years,” Thornton said.

Elaine Colliar was keen to save money on her energy bills but could not afford the initial cost involved. However, after hearing about a new project from the Scottish Government, she was able to apply and receive the financial help needed.

“It’s really simple,” Colliar said. “There’s a new project from the Scottish Government. You phone up a number, they take you through an online form and they find out whether you are eligible.

“Next thing you know, the guys from Scottish Gas are coming out and installing a brand new central heating system and loads of insulation, making the house nice and toasty.”

Energy efficiency measures will be offered to low-income households but higher-income households may be offered measures at a discount. Families with a child under five or a disabled child under 16, pregnant women and those aged between 60 plus, are being particularly encouraged to apply for assistance.

“They have widened the people that are eligible,” Colliar said. “So if you think you might be, get in there and apply. You could be entitled to some money to make your house warmer.”

For more information on whether you are eligible for these schemes call Saving Trust on 0800 512 012 or visit the website www.energysavingtrust.org.uk