Homeowners who really want to make a dent in their utility bills should concentrate on measures such as draught proofing and double glazing in place of some more publicised tips.

That is the advice of construction lecturer and author Jeff Howell, who suggested in the Telegraph that much government-sponsored guidance is "well intentioned" but only works in theory.

One example he put forward is the idea that homeowners can save money by turning down their thermostats by one degree.

"This is based on a purely theoretical calculation and is not supported by any empirical evidence from actual homes," Mr Howell stated.

He explained that individuals will achieve better results by improving their insulation "to reduce the rate at which energy passes from inside to out", and investing in smaller windows in order to decrease the size of "the element" through which heat escapes.

He noted that an added bonus of double glazing is improved sound insulation for a house.

Representatives for the Energy Saving Trust have previously recommended the installation of high-efficiency condensing boilers to cut fuel bills and carbon emissions.


Joanne McCabe

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Author:  Joanne McCabe

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