Vale of White Horse District Council
Abbey House, Abbey Close,
Abingdon, OX14 3JE
Email: comments@whitehorsedc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01235 520202

Vale of White Horse District Council

Why is it important to save energy

Save money

In a typical British home, around one third of the heat produced by a central heating system is lost through the roof, ceiling and walls. This means for every £3 spent on heating £1 is wasted.

• Heat is also lost through windows, floors and draughts. 
• Simple and affordable energy saving measures can lead to significant fuel bill savings.
• The benefits are immediate and money spent on measures can be recovered quickly.  
• Most households can save a substantial amount on fuel bills. Grants and discount schemes are available to help with energy efficiency measures.
• Ease the strain of any future fuel price increases by using energy more efficiently.

Improve your health

• Cold, poorly insulated homes can suffer from damp, condensation and mould growth.
• Not only can these damage walls, window frames, furniture and clothing but it can also lead to deterioration in your health or exacerbate existing conditions.
• Asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, coronary heart disease and strokes are all conditions potentially related to cold homes. 
• Making your homes warmer can help prevent excess winter deaths and relieve strain on the NHS.

Maximise the value of your home

• All homes put on the market with three or more bedrooms now need to have a Home Information Pack, which will include an assessment of the energy efficiency of the property, the Energy Performance Certificate.  
• The energy efficiency rating will enable potential buyers to compare properties in terms of energy efficiency, with more energy efficient properties offering lower running costs.     
• By acting now to improve your home's energy efficiency, you may make your home more valuable and more attractive to buyers in the future.  
• Visit www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk for more information about Home Information Packs.
• For more advice download a copy of the Energy Saving Trust hidden value guide

Help the environment

• By minimising the energy you waste and using energy more efficiently you reduce your overall energy consumption and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with it.
• Increased emissions of greenhouse gases are causing changes to our climate and environment on both a local and global scale, resulting in more extreme weather conditions, rising sea levels and changing vegetation.
• A quarter of the UK's CO2 emissions come from our homes, by insulating your home, choosing energy efficient products and making small changes to your energy habits you can reduce your impact on the environment.
• Visit www.climatechallenge.gov.uk to learn more about climate change and what you and your community can to help tackle climate change.