Energy Efficiency
Phoenix Supply, as a major energy provider, has a responsibility to make sure that natural gas is used sensibly and not wasted. We want to ensure that you can enjoy the convenience of this highly efficient, clean and versatile fuel. The controllability of gas makes it easy to take energy efficiency measures. Many of the steps outlined here cost little or nothing. Those that do require more effort and money will provide a worthwhile payback over time.
Short-term:
- Check your hot water temperature. If you have a thermostat, change it to make sure you are not heating the water more than you need.
- Control your central heating. Keep your gas bill as low as possible by making sure that your central heating system is only on when you need it.
- Don’t waste gas in rooms you don’t use. Leaving the radiator full on in a bedroom you only use occasionally is an unnecessary luxury.
- Check doors, windows and curtains. Leaving windows open while the heating is on it wastes energy.
- Double-glazing also saves heat.
- Are you paying too much for hot water? Even if your storage cylinder has an insulating jacket, it may not be thick enough. You want one that’s at least 80mm (3 inches) thick and complies with British Standards.
Long-term:
Make sure your home is fully insulated. If you add up the cost of fitting insulation, installing a modern boiler and follow some of the energy-saving steps mentioned on this page, you can compare the cost to the money you will save each year in fuel costs. You will find that the savings will pay for the improvements that you have made.
We have estimated these savings to relate to an average three-bedroomed semi-detached house. Your actual savings will depend on the size of your house. *If you replace a 10 year old boiler with a high efficiency condensing boiler the extra cost will be paid over 3-6 years.
Phoenix Supply is looking at ways to encourage people to use gas efficiently, supporting the development and use of appliances that use less energy. When buying a new appliance, look for those that are energy efficient.
| Home Improvements | Annual Fuel Bill Saving | DIY Payback | Contractor Payback |
| Draught-proofing | £10-£20 | 3-5 years | 4-7 years |
| Loft insulation | £140-£170 | About 1 year | 18 mths-2 years |
| Filling floor gaps | £5-£10 | 10 years | - |
| Filling skirting board gaps | £10 | Up to 2 years | - |
| Using foil behind radiators | £5-£10 | 1-2 years | - |
| Fitting a programmable room thermostat | £20-£25 | 1-2 years | - |
| Fitting TRVs | £10-£20 | 2-7 years | 6-20 years |
| Fitting a condensing boiler | £100-£150 | - | 3-6 years* |
| Updating your boiler controls | £30-£60 | 3-5 years | - |
| Fitting an updated boiler thermostat | £10-£20 | 2-5 years | 4-10 years |
| Installing double glazing | £15-£25 | - | 8-15 years |
| Insulating your walls (cavity walls) | £100-£120 | - | 13-16 mths |
| Insulating your walls (solid internal walls) | £45-£55 | 3-4 years | 10 years or longer |
