There are a number of different types of heating available to households; the two main ones are central heating and storage heaters.
Central heating?
Central Heating is designed to keep all or most of your home warm from one central source such as a gas or oil boiler. There are also controls which enable you to manage the heating and hot water supply as efficiently as possible. It is recommended that to gain optimum performance from your heating, the room thermostat is set at 18 - 21 º C. If you require any advice on controlling both the time and temperature of your heating system your local energy efficiency advice centre will be able to help you.
Storage Heaters?
Storage Heaters work by storing heat provided by overnight electricity (usually on a cheaper tariff such as economy 7), they then release this heat gradually over the course of the next day. Some energy companies now provide an economy 10 tariff which also offers a block of cheaper energy during the day as well. Contact your electricity supplier for more information (See contacts sheet)
Insulation?
All of the heat we generate in our homes escapes. By insulating our homes sufficiently we can help to keep this heat in our homes for longer which results in a warmer and more comfortable home. Insulating your home sufficiently will reduce your fuel bills as the heat stays in for longer so the length of time you need your heating on for will be reduced meaning you will consume less fuel. There are a number of different types of insulation:
• Cavity Wall Insulation - Most homes which have been built since 1940 have cavity walls, this is where the exterior walls are built from two thinner walls separated by a cavity (gap). By filling this cavity with insulation you can reduce the amount of heat lost through the walls.
• Solid Wall Insulation - If your home has solid walls as opposed to cavity walls these too can be insulated either externally or internally.
• Loft Insulation - A lot of a heat is lost through lofts, it is recommended that lofts should have 270mm of insulation.
• Pipe Insulation - By insulating the hot water pipes in your home you can help prevent any heat being lost from the water in the pipes.
• Hot Water Tank Jackets - it is important to insulate hot water storage tanks in order to prevent heat being lost which will lead to more fuel being needed to keep the water warm.
Energy Efficiency measure costs and annual savings:
| Measure |
Installation cost |
Annual Fuel Saving |
| Cavity wall Insulation |
£250 - £350 |
£90 |
| Solid Wall Installation |
£1900 |
£300 |
| A-Rated Central Heating Boiler |
£600-£1500 |
£110 |
| Full Loft Installation |
£250 - £350 |
£100 - £120 |
| Top up Loft Installation |
£300 -£400 |
£30 -£40 |
| Solar Thermal heating Panels |
£2500 - £4000 |
£60 |
| Draught Proofing |
£90 - £200 |
£20 |
• Please note that the prices quoted are only approximate and subject to variation.
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We are currently offering FREE insulation (Loft and Cavity Wall) to anyone over the age of 70. If you pay your Council Tax to a Shropshire Council (Exc Telford & Wrekin) and own or privately rent your property then contact us on 01743 277 123 for more details
If you are in receipt of benefits please contact Keep Shropshire Warm for information regarding grants and discounts available for affordable warmth measures and general energy efficiency advice please contact 01743 277 123
For those not in receipt of benefits you are still entitled to discounts for affordable warmth measures for details of these and general energy efficiency advice please contact 01743 277 123
