Northern Ireland could save £144 million on energy bills – Act now and insulate advise NIA
To highlight Big Energy Saving Week, a national campaign to help consumers take practical steps to cut their energy bills, the National Insulation Association (NIA) is urging householders in Northern Ireland to act now and insulate.
The Energy Saving Trust commissioned a survey as part of the Big Energy Saving Week to bust some of the top energy saving myths they encounter. A common myth is that cranking up the thermostat will heat the home faster. In fact no matter how high the temperature is set, the rate at which central heating distributes heat remains constant. To heat a home faster, install better insulation. This decreases the rate at which heat is lost through the walls, loft, windows, and floor – heating the home faster and keeping it warm for longer.
Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA commented: “Home insulation is the most cost effective way of saving on domestic energy bills. An astounding 58% of heat can be lost through uninsulated walls and roofs; but with the right measures put in place, householders could be making huge savings on their energy bills.
“With the average energy bill in Northern Ireland being 60% higher than those in the mainland it is even more important to insulate and start saving money immediately. By simply installing Cavity Wall Insulation savings of up to £165* per year can be made and £215* per year from Loft Insulation. Draught-proofing windows and doors can save £30* per year and when Installed with other measures will greatly increase the comfort in a home. The savings are even greater for insulating solid walls up to £570* per year!”
Patrick Thompson, Operations Manager of Energy Saving Trust Northern Ireland said: “Throughout Big Energy Saving Week, the Energy Saving Trust and partners will provide practical solutions and advice to help households save money on their energy bills. For us, saving energy – not wasting it – is the right thing to do and makes total sense.”
