SBH02_25-37 3/19/09 10:23 AM Page 25
home. Additionally, with the Increase Insulation Levels
opportunity to negotiate hard on labour Insulating your home is a great way to reduce
and materials prices in the current energy costs. For the average house 30% of
economic climate, potential selfbuilders the heat simply escapes through the walls and
and renovators could make significant roof. There is a range of grants available to
savings on their budgets if they plan help with insulation costs.
carefully, shop around and do
their homework. Consider Alternative Energy Technologies
Whether you are renovating, Grants are available for solar panels and other
extending, building or wanting to micro generation technologies via the Low
make the most of your home, now is Carbon Buildings Programme.
a great time to visit The National
ould-be renovators and Homebuilding & Renovating Show. In its Work Your Windows
W
selfbuilders should see seventeenth year and attracting almost 50,000 Around 20% of the heat lost from an
2009 as an excellent time visitors over the four days, the 2009 Show average home is through the windows.
to start a building offers over 500 exhibitors, 96 free seminars Consider double glazing your windows or
project. The National and master classes, The Eco Homes Show, secondary double-glazing if you live in a
Homebuilding & Renovating Show, on at the ‘Ask the Experts’, Specialist Technical Zones period property. Double-glazing cuts heat loss
NEC from 19 to 22 March, can help you make and much more. through windows by 50% and could
the most of your home. High energy prices are still hitting the significantly reduce your heating bill.
A 34% nationwide increase in the number of headlines, so the organisers of the show
plots available for selfbuilders makes 2009 an have put together some top tips on how to Use Radiator Reflector Panels
excellent time to consider building your own improve the energy efficiency of your home: Shockingly over 50% of the heat from our
radiators is simply used to heat the walls behind
them, which means that less than half is used to
heat our rooms. Energy saving radiator panels
are like tin foil sheets that reflect the heat back
from your walls into your room. They can save
as much as 20% on your heating bill.
Buy Low Energy Appliances
Make sure white goods like fridges, freezers
and washing machines are A rated (or A++ for
Sunfold are at HB&R2009 this year with their Thousands of people beyond the gas mains
new SFS455 lift and glide aluminium sliding rely on
fridges and freezers). This means they are very
Calor LPG to provide an alternative
door. There will also be examples of their other source of fuel. Come and visit us at stand
efficient and, with washing machines, use less
market leading products on stand F112. K141 to find out more.
water than other models. Remember to turn off
162 163
Continued on page 27
See inside back cover for Reader Enquiry Card or go online:
www.sbhonline.eu
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