Energy efficiency means using less energy to provide the same service. The phrase “energy efficiency” is often used as shorthand to describe any kind of energy-saving measure. Technically it should be distinguished from energy saving conservation, a broader term which can also include forgoing a service rather than changing the efficiency with which it is provided. An example of energy conservation include turning down a thermostat in the winter or walking to the shops instead of driving. Using energy more efficiently through more efficient end-uses or through more efficient generation such as combined heat and power reduces the amount of fuel required to produce a unit of energy output and reduces the corresponding emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases.
In life there are certain luxuries that we afford ourselves. A good set of knives here, a nice pair of shoes there, and, of course – high quality towels.
Throughout the course of our lifetimes, we seemingly go through thousands of towels. Sure, they might start out soft and fluffy, but through the course of time they wear thin, develop holes and eventually need throwing out. For thousands of us though, spending your hard earned money on new towels is a waste, especially when you can restore your towels to perfect condition with very little effort at all – especially if your only problem is mildew smells from your towels.
Recent research has shown that energy bills could be set to sky rocket in the next year or so, starting next month when many 'fixed term' tariffs with energy companies will be coming to a natural end. It's thought that new tariffs to replace the old ones could be weighing in at £198 more. It's indicative of a trend in the past year of rising energy costs and uncertainty among customers - so what can you do shield yourself from the increase? There are a few steps you can take to at least minimise the impact, and save some cash...
Many people, when moving to a new home or perhaps buying properties to rent, are faced with a very important and difficult decision - which heating solution to use. It can drastically affect the value of your property, its appeal to tenants if you're renting out, and how your property feels from day to day. Of course, the main question on everyone's lips when they're trying to decide between various heating solutions is, which is cheaper - gas or electric?
There's been a great deal of speculation and talk over the past year about Britain's pursuit of cleaner, greener energy. With gas prices fluctuating and our dependency on imports increasing, it's obviously important that we look at 'home grown' renewable options, and everything from solar and wind to hydrogen fuel cells and nuclear power is on the table. But what does that mean for the average homeowner, or business owner for that matter? Many of us ride the wave of tumultuous gas prices and are at the mercy of big energy companies - can switching to electric really make a difference?
The idea of having a conservatory was at one time dedicated to growing plants. Today the options include space for socialising, dining, and blurring the space between the garden and the house. There are many things to take into account when building a conservatory.
Ministers in the UK have tightened safeguards around fracking and given the green light to companies to start fracking throughout the country. This green light includes the fracking of national parks in what they have deemed 'exceptional circumstances', although ministers have retained the right to veto these plans if called for. From Monday, the Government will invite different shale gas firms to bid for onshore gas and oil licenses for the first time in 6 years. So, will fracking really secure our energy future?
How easy is it to fit a plugin radiator? Wall mounted electric radiator design means that you can fit them quickly, and you only need the most basic of DIY skills. The electric radiators come with all of the fixing materials, (check with your supplier), to fix your new purchase securely to the wall.
In order to maintain the Europe's momentum when it comes to energy reduction and saving, the EU are now mulling over a 35% reduction target for 2030. EurActiv picked up on a draft for its scheduled 'energy efficiency review' which says that a 35% reduction would be needed to reap the benefits of jobs and growth, and stabilise energy security.
