Top Tips to Save Energy
Here are some top tips to help you save energy and costs in your rural community building.
Insulate and draught-proof your community building – installing loft, cavity wall or other insulation will reduce your energy needs and save you money. Draught proofing reduces unwanted ventilation but draught proofing double entrance doors or fire exit doors requires specialist materials. AVOID blocking air vents. If the hall has a high pitched roof and the hall is not used for activities requiring height, such as badminton, an insulated suspended ceiling can be installed.
Monitor your energy use – make sure you supply meter readings to your energy supplier and read your fuel bills to help you manage your energy use and spend. Take advice on whether your energy supplier is offering you the best available tariff(s) and consider fuel switching to get a better deal.
Control your heating – if you have heating controls and timers then use them. Consider turning down thermostats by 10C to reduce internal room temperatures and save up to 10% of your energy consumption. Monitor energy use and consider installing new heating controls. Energy is often wasted when hirers alter thermostats or programmers because the hall is too hot or cold for them. By programming the heating to match the hall’s booking diary it should be possible to provide the right temperature for each room at different times of day. This can be done without heating spaces which are unused.
Control your hot water – if you have hot water controls then use them. Avoid leaving immersion heaters on for a long time as they are expensive to use. If your hot water cylinder doesn’t have a jacket purchase one for around £10 and you can save up to £20 a year on your energy bills. Replace hot water cylinders with small ‘point of use’ heaters which operate at a safe temperature
Use appliances efficiently– turn off appliances when not in use and avoid using the stand-by facility as this wastes energy. Only boil enough water for your needs. Replace appliances with more energy efficient ones: Appliances are graded from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
Fit energy efficient light bulbs- when replacing lighting consider installing PIR movement sensors and low-energy bulbs in suitable locations. Fluorescent tubes are energy efficient and further savings can be achieved by replacing 35mm tubes with slim line, 26mm tubes. Clean light fittings annually so that they retain their brightnes
Install secondary glazing - when replacing windows, install sealed unit double glazed windows. Secondary glazing is generally cheaper, provides a similar level of efficiency and should avoid planning issues if in a conservation area or it is a Listed Building.
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