A guide to energy saving heating

 

Please note: We would not recommend using radiator covers because Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) sense the air temperature around them and control the flow rate depending on what level they?re set at. By having a cover over the radiator and enclosing the TRV, the TRV will most likely think that the room temperature is higher than it actually is because the heat will be trapped in between the radiator and the cover.

If you already have a radiator cover that cannot be removed, then it is still advisable to use TRV's to control the temperature as much as possible, although the radiator will be more effective at heating the room space without the cover. If you feel the radiator is not hot enough at a particular setting, then turn up the TRV.

The video transcript for 'A guide to energy saving heating'

Caption: A GUIDE TO HEATING

Sc 1    INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY

Andy is sitting watching TV, wearing a Pringle jumper, shirt open and fanning himself with the Hidden Value Guide. The lamp beside him (we haven’t seen it before) is lit.

VOICE-OVER
Hey Andy, saving energy?

Andy gives a slightly alarmed look around the room and then settles his gaze on camera as if this is where the voice is coming from...

VOICE-OVER
Good idea.

Andy is pleased he has ‘done it right’.

VOICE-OVER
Ever thought about saving energy in your home?

Andy engages with the camera and a gives a ‘how do you mean’ face?

VOICE-OVER
You know, its not difficult to make a few changes and do your bit for the environment...

Andy looks skeptical, sits back and puts his feet up again.

VOICE-OVER
...you know, reduce your carbon footprint... Help fight climate change...

Andy glances awkwardly at his resting feet.  He places them back on the floor as he leans forward to listen.

VOICE-OVER
For instance, is that an energy saving light bulb Andy?

He looks at the lamp and then, looking pleased with himself, nods to camera.

VOICE-OVER
It is?  Well, that’s good. They’re energy efficient...unlike a traditional bulb they don’t waste energy - a bit like yourself Andy.

Andy half smiles - not knowing if this is a compliment or a slur.  He gets up and exits.

Sc 2    INT. HALL – DAY

He grabs a jacket and golf clubs as he heads into the hall.

VOICE-OVER
Of course, heating the house all day when you are not there is, for example…very wasteful. If you see what I am driving at.

Andy does see what she is driving at and puts down the clubs.

Sc 3    INT. KITCHEN – DAY

Andy heads for the boiler and as he is about to turn off the heating…

VOICE-OVER
You can programme your heating - to suit your lifestyle. If you are out all day then you can programme it to come on twice a day; once before you wake up and then again just before you get home – but then…you know that don’t you.

Andy doesn’t really ‘know that’ but pretends that he does.  He looks interested and programmes the boiler as he listens.

VOICE-OVER
Controlling your heating at the boiler is one option but there are others.

Andy exits shot following the voice’s lead.

Sc 4    INT. HALL – DAY

Back in the Hall Andy looks flattered as she continues. 

VOICE-OVER
And I am sure a sporting man like yourself will have plans for the weekend – which is fine because you can set the programme differently for weekends.

He nods an acknowledgement, picks up the golf club bag again and makes to leave.

VOICE-OVER
By the way, if your boiler is fifteen years old or more it won’t be as energy efficient as a new one and it will be costing you more to run.

Andy looks pained.

VOICE-OVER
You don’t need to worry Andy, if your boiler is newer there’s no need to replace it yet. However, when you do replace your boiler with a condensing boiler, it could reduce your heating bill.

Andy once more attempts to leave with the golf bag.  He takes a couple of steps…

VOICE-OVER
Do you (beat) have a thermostat Andy?

Andy now abandons the golf clubs and leads on to the thermostat.

VOICE-OVER
Did you know that turning your heating down by one degree - say from 20 to 19 degrees – could reduce your heating bills by 10% which works out to around £55 a year?
And you won’t even notice the difference. 

Andy looks genuinely surprised and changes the setting.

VOICE-OVER
What about thermostatic radiator valves?

Andy looks positive and indicates for the camera to follow him.

Sc 5    INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY

Andy is stooped by the radiator heating controller looking pleased with himself.

VOICE-OVER
Very good Andy and what temperature is it set at?

Andy looks at the setting and makes a ‘so so’ gesture.

VOICE-OVER
Medium? That’s good as long as it’s comfortable? What about the guest room?

Andy nods to confirm and stands up.

Sc 6    INT. SPARE BEDROOM – DAY

Andy walks across and turns down the controller to No 1

VOICE-OVER
You see thermostatic radiator valves are particularly useful in rooms that aren’t used much and don’t need to be as warm as main rooms. You can just turn them right down.

Andy acknowledges this insight.

VOICE-OVER
And…by using a combination of these heating controls you can be a lot more energy efficient.

Sc 7    INT. HALL - DAY

Andy is back in the hall and looking exercised but pleased with himself.  He picks up the golf clubs using much more effort…

VOICE-OVER
Very good Andy. That will be a dramatic improvement in the amount of energy you save. Looks like you could use some extra energy?

Andy gives her a playful scowl.

VOICE-OVER
You really are quite handy aren’t you Andy?

Andy leaves with golf bag over his shoulder.

Caption: 
0800 512 012
energysavingtrust.org.uk
Energy Saving Trust logo

VOICE-OVER
(addressing the audience)
If you want to know more about how Andy became energy efficient call 0800 512012 or see the website.

Planning a home improvement project?

FREE help and advice

Call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on 0800 512 012 for:

  • free impartial advice about the best energy-saving options for your home
  • details of installers in your area
  • grants or discounts to help with the cost 

Save money!

You’ll be charged a lower rate of VAT when you have energy-saving work done to your house, both for the materials and equipment, and for the labour. More materials are covered if the work is funded by a grant. If the house is new, you pay no VAT at all. Loft insulation, wall insulation, floor insulation and draught-proofing are all included. Find out more at the HMRC website.

Help for landlords

Until April 2015, the Landlord’s Energy Saving Allowance lets you claim up to £1,500 against tax for energy-saving improvements you have made to each house or flat you rent out. You could claim back the cost of loft insulation, wall insulation, floor insulation, hot-water-tank insulation and draught-proofing. Find out more at the Directgov website.