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22 September 2011 11:12
Homes
Are your heating costs going through the roof?
People in North Lincolnshire can now check how much heat is escaping from their homes with a new heat loss map.
People will be able to enter their address on North Lincolnshire Council’s website to see the results on the map and check the energy efficiency of their own home.
The thermal map highlights areas in different colours. If a property is red this means a lot of heat is being lost, while better-insulated properties will appear green or blue.
The roof colour is an indication of how well the roof is insulated, that is assuming the building was being heated at the time.
In February Bluesky, an aerial surveying company, recorded relative heat loss from individual buildings in North Lincolnshire using a new thermal mapping system.
The information gathered will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the area and will help people make their homes more energy efficient.
Typically British homes lose around one third of the heat produced by their central heating system through the roof, walls and windows. This means that a poorly insulated property can waste up to £1 out of every £3 spent on heating.
If you are losing a lot of heat you should check your loft insulation as the recommended insulation standards and insulation thickness have increased in recent years.
To find out more about insulating your home call the council on 01724 297000 or see the energy saving pages on the council's website, www.northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Nigel Sherwood, cabinet member for Highways and Neighbourhoods, said:
"With winter around the corner and ever rising fuel prices, we’re all looking for ways to reduce our heating bills.
“The heat loss map will help people identify how much heat they are losing from their roof. With this information they can decide whether or not to look at improving their roof insulation to save on fuel costs.
“This great tool will also help us identify properties that are at risk of fuel poverty, so we can target those in need to offer them help and advice."
More than 30 per cent of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions come from the energy we use at home. But this energy is not being used efficiently.
People can save more energy by:
Only switching lights on if you need them and make sure the lights are off in empty rooms.
Switching off your computer when you're not using it, hibernate your PC when you leave it for a short amount of time. Shutting it down and switching off at the mains when you have finished working on it.
Unplugging mobile phone charges when your phone is charged.
Wearing sufficient layers to keep warm in the winter rather than relying on turning the heating up.
Switching off equipment that has an electronic display or gives off heat. This includes microwaves, ovens, dishwashers and washing machines.
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