Energy Saving Tips

[Enviro-mental]

I thought I'd share something I found on energy saving tips. Some of it may seem obvious, but we often forget.

1. Don't leave appliances on standby
2. Replace your old boiler
3. Only boil as much as you need
4. Turn the thermostat down
5. Use energy efficient bulbs
6. Don't use your tumble dryer in warm months
7. Insulate your hot water pipes
8. Insulate your loft
9. Before buying new appliances, check what the Energy saving recommendations are.

I've summarized this but if you want to read the entire article, its on: Energy Saving Tips

[Meta menardi]

I have done all of the above bar replacing the boiler, this is being done soon. I now seem to be banking with Eon.

[Mike Jackson]

As a heating engineer I take issue with number 2. When you look at the emissions from a boiler (or a car etc.) you should really think about the energy required to produce it. In my opinion replacing a boiler that is working well, no matter what the age, is not environmentally friendly. Considering that the average cost of replacing a boiler is over £2000 it doesn't make financial sense either. You will struggle to recoup the outlay in fuel savings over the lifespan of the boiler.

A more cost effective solution is to insulate well.

Mike

[Meta menardi]

I certainly agree with you about this, but our boiler was old when we moved here 20 years ago. It has done it's bit, there are no spares available and we have a slight flush of money, so now must be the time.

[Mike Jackson]

In that case it's worth it. I take issue when people suggest replacing a perfectly good boiler to "save energy".

Mike

[jeanne]

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

As a heating engineer I take issue with number 2. When you look at the emissions from a boiler (or a car etc.) you should really think about the energy required to produce it. In my opinion replacing a boiler that is working well, no matter what the age, is not environmentally friendly. Considering that the average cost of replacing a boiler is over £2000 it doesn't make financial sense either. You will struggle to recoup the outlay in fuel savings over the lifespan of the boiler.

A more cost effective solution is to insulate well.

Mike

hi mike i had a new boiler installed about 4months ago, ive always had maintenance cover with a well know gas company, i then received a letter from them that my aggreement was cancelled and with a cheque from them when i rang them i was told that they cant stock all spare parts for all makes of boilers!!! ive been with them for many years ,luckily the boiler has a 2 year guarantee!! and the boiler is a good make as you can imagine i am not to pleased with their decision.

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

In that case it's worth it. I take issue when people suggest replacing a perfectly good boiler to "save energy".

Mike

too right - as with cars, televisions, cookers , etc etc etc people need to consider the "embodied energy" in manufacturing the new one (and disposing of the old one) as set against the energy saving that a more effiient one brings.

taking that into account it is very rarely worth (in either environmental or financial terms) replacing an appliance (or vehicle) that is still working and which you can still repair economically.

the key thing is when you do need to replace it to ensure that you get the most energy efficient , and well made appliance you can , and try to ensure that your old one is disposed of in a sustainable fashion ( ie if its still working or repairable- sell it, freecycle it, or give it to re use project. and if its a total write off try to ensure that it is going to be recycled responsibly rather than going to landfill r to be broken up in the third world)