Alvin Hall: Saving Energy Introduction

Hi - I'm Alvin Hall. In my day-to-day work, I advise people on how to handle their finances wisely and get the best value for money, be it on their mortgage, their weekly grocery shopping or their annual holiday. Now it’s time to turn the spotlight on the money you can save by being aware of energy wastage.

You may not realise it, but your house is leaking money all over the place - most people’s are. The average household in the UK wastes an incredible £200 a year by not being energy efficient. Bad habits, old and ineffective appliances and lack of insulation are costing you dear. In fact, you may as well set fire to that money and watch it in smoke.

Like most household costs, such as your mortgage, insurance or mobile phone provider, you have to be prepared to do the research so you can find the best deal. If you arm yourself with the information in this guide, and spend a little time looking at your energy options, you could make some significant savings.

For starters, I advise you to take a good look at your home, and tackle the jobs that are most
achievable. This section outlines some instant solutions and other long term measures. Think carefully about what you'll need to spend up front, how much it might save you in the long run, and how long you intend to stay in your current home. And don't forget that an energy efficient home is an attractive feature when it comes to selling.

As ever, the key is to shop around. Don't just settle for the first appliance you see. Ask store staff about running costs and remember to look for the Energy Efficiency Recommended logo. It’s your simple guide to help you purchase the most energy efficient products in the market. There are plenty of bargains out there, so do your research and be canny with your cash. The Internet is a wonderful resource for bargain hunters, and there's no need to feel you can't haggle with your high street retailer. After all, you won't get a discount if you don't ask! What's more, there are even government and energy supplier grants available to help you with the initial costs.

As well as cutting your bills, these measures will help to slow the environmental impact of power generation, which includes global warming, rising sea levels and rapidly accelerating climate change across the world. Now that's what I call a good deal.

Click on the links below to hear what he has to say:

> Top 10 Tips

> Serious Savings

> Hug your House

> Low Cost, No Cost

> It Don't Cost a Thing

For more information on grants available in your area, call 0800 512 012 or log on to www.saveenergy.co.uk/

Alvin says: “If you want to get started, I recommend you install Cavity Wall Insulation. It's easy to do and will save you up to £100 a year. Energy efficient light bulbs are another simple way to make quick savings.”

For more energy saving tips and advice, visit www.saveenergy.co.uk