There are a number of benefits for you and the environment by saving energy in the home.

Lower fuel bills

By becoming more home energy efficient you can cut your fuel use which could save you hundreds of pounds on fuel bill each year. By installing a few insulation and heating measures it is possible to save between £100-£200 each year. 

Recent energy price rises make it even more important to look at improving your home energy efficiency. It is estimated that the average homes fuel bills will have risen by about £200. Better home insulation and heating can help to offset these extra prices rises by saving you money.

Warmer home

By improving your home energy efficiency your home will heat up much faster and will remain warmer for longer. Your home will be wasting less heat. A warmer home is a more comfortable and healthier one as you will suffer less from cold related illnesses.

In the UK approximately 30,000 winter deaths each year are caused by excess cold temperatures. These are often due to respiratory illnesses, heart problems or stokes exacerbated by poorly heated or insulated homes. In the Wakefield District it is estimated that each year 120 people die during the colder months due to cold homes. Dampness caused by poor ventilation is also a major contributor to poor health.   

Environmental benefits

By reducing your home energy use you will reduce carbon dioxide emissions, so help in tackling 'global warming'. Home energy efficiency will also help to preserve our natural resources that are in short supply.

The energy we use is produced by power stations that burn fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.  These release carbon dioxide which builds up in the atmosphere trapping in the suns rays causing the earth to heat up - the 'greenhouse effect' Temperatures rise causing 'global warming', which in turn contributes towards climate change. In the UK a quarter of the carbon dioxide emissions come from the energy used within our homes.

How will climate change affect the UK?  

As global temperatures rise this could have a dramatic affect on the UK. Sea levels will rise which will flood many of our coastal areas, mainly along the east coast. Weather patterns will become more unpredicatble, with flash flooding, droughts and extreme weather become more common. The warmer weather could also see changes in plant and animal life, more sun related illnesses and tropical diseases and deterioration in soil quality.