Energy Saving Glossary
CFL
Abbreviation for Compact Florescent Light bulbs, recognised as a more energy efficient replacement for the standard incandescent versions found in many homes.
Costing just £1, the new energy saving versions slash 75% (up to £60) off annual lighting bills.
DOUBLE GLAZING
By trapping air in between the two layers of glass, double glazing windows are perfect for reducing heating bills, with the airtight insulation preventing heat from escaping like old-fashioned single glazed windows.
In fact, installing double glazing could save homeowners up to £110 a year on heating costs - effectively paying for themselves in the medium-term.
EMISSION
The production or discharge of something, most commonly associated with Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
Any household appliances burning fuel - including high efficiency, condensing boilers - will produce these emissions.
With over a quarter of the country’s CO2 emissions coming from the fuel we burn in our homes, great emphasis has been placed on reducing the amount of CO2 burnt in the home.
FOSSIL FUEL
These natural fuels, geologically formed millions of years ago from the remains of living organisms, are the dominant source of fuel for the UK and will continue its supremacy for the foreseeable future.
Burning fossil fuels (i.e. coal, gas, and oil) in power stations is the biggest source of carbon dioxide in the UK.
INSULATION
To cover, line or separate with a material that prevents the leakage of heat.
A popular means of insulating homes is to install cavity wall insulation, where foam is injected between the inner and outer walls of houses to reduce the amount of heat escaping through the walls.
KYOTO
An industrial city in central Japan; host to 1998 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The agreement binds almost 40 countries and the European Community to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including the UK’s own commitment to cut its emissions by 12.5% by 2010.
RENEWABLE
Energy generated from a natural source which is not depleted once used.
A number of renewable energy sources have been explored, including the use of solar panels, wind turbines and biomass heating, which involves the burning of animal or plant matter.
According to the World Wildlife Federation, renewable energy makes up just 2.7% of our overall energy production - a matter we must address as fossil fuel reserves diminish.
WATER SOFTENER
A well-kept secret in the battle against the bills, water softeners remove the ‘hard’ minerals from water which stunt the efficiency of even high-efficiency, condensing boilers.
The softener’s main benefit is the amount it will save on home utility bills.
By removing the ‘hard’ mineral matter found in pipes and on household appliances, the softener flushes away the limescale that drives up the cost of heating bills for home or business suffering with the effects of hard water.
Not only that, but your family and colleagues will also enjoy the benefits of beautifully soft water, considered to be much kinder on hair and skin.
To discover the benefits of a water softener today, log on to http://www.water-systems.co.uk or call us today on 0800 066 4411 for your free home survey.
