A passive solar corridor helps keep the temperature constant in this earth sheltered Berm house so it requires no heating system.
Energy Efficiency
As an individual it can seem daunting and pointless to do anything about energy efficiency. "What difference will it make?" "Well until America signs up to Kyoto there is no point in doing
anything." "Until they start making flights expensive then I might as well take advantage." However as households produce 25% of our national Carbon Dioxide emissions it is vital we all play our
part in reducing how much carbon we produce.
How to save energy and money
- Turning your thermostat down by 1ºC could cut your heating bills by up to 10 per cent and save you around £30 per year.
- Is your water too hot? Your cylinder thermostat shouldn't need to be set higher than 60ºC/140ºF.
- Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.
- Always turn off the lights when you leave a room.
- Don't leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave appliances on charge unnecessarily.
- If you're not filling up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, use the half-load or economy programme.
- Only boil as much water as you need (cover the elements if you're using an electric kettle).
- A dripping hot water tap wastes enough hot water to fill half a bath, so fix leaking taps and make sure they're fully turned off.
- Replace your light bulbs with energy saving ones: just one can reduce your lighting costs by up to £78 over the lifetime of the bulb - and they last up to 12 times longer than ordinary light
bulbs. - Do a home energy check. Just answer some simple questions about your home and the energy saving
trust will give you a free, impartial report telling you how you cansave up to £250 a year on your house hold energy bills.