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Britons seeking energy efficiency online

20 September 2008

Britons are increasingly concerned with making their homes more efficient, if their internet searching habits are anything to go by.

According to internet traffic monitor Hitwise, there has been a significant increase in the amount of searches for terms such as 'loft insulation' and 'underfloor heating'.

The growing interest in methods for making a home more energy efficient reflects the fear of rising fuel and electricity gas prices.

According to Energy Saving Trust recommended supplier Anglian Home Improvements, the average energy bill is set to rise to £1,406.

The drastic increase from £676 in 2005 is a major reason for the new interest, claimed Hitwise research director Robin Goad, who also noted people were looking to change their energy providers.

Writing on a blog, he said: "Concern about energy prices has also led to more people visiting utilities websites, presumably to check prices and change suppliers ... UK internet traffic to a custom category of electricity and gas suppliers has doubled over the last year."

A third of heat lost in an uninsulated home is lost through the walls. Installing cavity wall insulation could save up to £120 a year on fuel bills. Loft insulation can save around £155 on the annual fuel bill.