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Energy efficiency

old lady in her home

When we talk about improving energy efficiency we mean taking steps to use less energy while still meeting our needs.


There are steps that we can all take to reduce the amount of energy we use. By only using what we need‚ we can save money too.

Reducing your energy use results in smaller bills‚ leaving you with a greater proportion of your income to spend elsewhere. Think about how much you spend on energy at the moment. Do you have to go without other comforts to make your finances balance?

Money-saving measures


The money you can save by taking common energy efficiency measures is considerable. Here are some examples: 

  • installing cavity wall insulation can save you up to £320 per year
  • increasing loft insulation to 250mm can save up to £120 per year
  • an ‘A’ rated fridge/freezer can cost up to £37 less per year to run than a less efficient model
  • draughtproofing can save up to £20 per year insulating your hot-water tank can save up to £20 per year
  • a single low-energy light bulb can cost up to £4.50 less a year to use than a traditional bulb.

Together‚ these savings are the equivalent of an extra £10 in your pocket every week.

The savings listed above are based on information issued by the Energy Saving Trust. The amount you save may vary depending upon the size and age of your home and how you use energy.

Energy suppliers

Energy costs have risen sharply in recent years but you may be able to save some money by changing your energy supplier. You still use the same gas pipes and electric cables. The change will be which company sells you fuel and sends you bills.

Prices are not the only reason to switch. Check which energy suppliers offer special discounts‚ such as dual-fuel discounts‚ or other services‚ such as cheaper telephone charges.

opens link in new window FS1w Help with heating costs in Wales - Sept 2011 (PDF 227KB)

opens link in new window IG30 Save Energy, Pay Less - Sept 2011 (PDF 915KB)

 

 

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Useful information to download

Help with downloads

Downloads

What is a download?

A download is a document (like a research report, a leaflet, or an application form) that can be transferred from our website to your computer. You can download a file, view it on your screen, print it, or save it to your computer.

What is a PDF?

PDF stands for ‘portable document format’.

Most downloads on this website are PDFs. We use this format to ensure that the document looks the same on everyone’s computer (website pages, by contrast, appear differently depending on how people have got their computer set up).

How do I download a PDF?

Computers use a program called Adobe Acrobat Reader to download PDFs. If you try clicking on a link to download a PDF and it doesn’t work, you will need to install Adobe Acrobat Reader onto your computer.

How do I install Adobe Acrobat Reader?

The process is quite straightforward and is free.

  1. Go to opens link in new window http://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/
  2. Click ‘Download’.
  3. Wait for the window to offer you the option to ‘Run’, then choose this option.
  4. Click ‘Next’.
  5. Click ‘Install’
  6. Wait for the window to offer you the option to ‘Finish’, then choose this option.

How do I change a download?

PDFs cannot be changed. If you need to be able to type into a downloaded document (for example, if we are offering a letter template that you need to put your name on) we will provide it as a Microsoft Word document rather than a PDF. You can then download it, type into it and save it to your computer.

How do I print or save a download?

Downloads will open on your computer in a new browser window.

Inside this window (below all your web browser menus), there will be a toolbar with options for you to print or save the document.

Close the browser window to return to the Age UK website.

Can my screen reader read PDF downloads?

We have made every effort to make our PDFs accessible to screen readers. Here is an overview of your accessibility options available in Acrobat Reader. Please ensure that you have downloaded the latest version of Acrobat Reader from the Adobe Reader website to ensure that they are included in your version of the programme.

You can use Adobe Reader to read a PDF out loud with the following shortcut keys:

  • Read the document: Shift +Ctrl+Y
  • Read the open page only: Shift +Ctrl+V
  • Read to the end of the document: Shift+Ctrl+B
  • Pause: Shift+Ctrl+C
  • Stop Shift+Ctrl+E


You can also convert a PDF into a web page by following these steps:

  • Copy the URL (web address) of the document (right-click on the link and select ‘Save target as’ or ‘Copy link’).
  • Open the Adobe online conversion tool in your browser and paste the URL into the URL box.
  • Tick the HTML box on the Format option and click ‘Convert’.


You can convert a PDF document into a text file for use with other software and hardware such as Braille printers by opening the PDF and choosing ‘Save as text’ from the File menu.

Useful website

  • The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme is a Welsh Assembly Government funded initiative aimed at making homes in Wales warmer, healthier and more energy efficient. The HEES grant provides a package of heating and insulation improvements up to the value of £3,600 (or £5,000 where oil central heating is required).  

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