Our Man in Westminster

This time of year in Parliament often sees the launch of winter advice services, and probably the most important has been Energy Saving Week, which is a collaboration between the Department of Energy, Citizens Advice and the Energy Saving Trust.

The Trust calculates that here in Ashford we could save the best part of a million pounds by taking control of our heating.

Many people are now aware of the ability to shop around for cheaper deals and switch suppliers. What we are less aware of is how to use our heating controls effectively.

The Energy Saving Trust has identified a number of myths which are widely believed.

First, people turn the heating up when it’s cold outside. If you have a thermostat it heats your home to the level you want; what is happening outside is irrelevant. Secondly, people turn the thermostat up to heat the room more quickly.

This does not work, it only heats the room to a higher temperature than the one you want.

Many people also believe that it is more efficient to leave their heating on at a low temperature all the time. This just means that the house is heated when no one is there to benefit, and then is too cold when you are at home.

Nearly a third of people leave their water heating on all the time to make sure they never run out.

This will cost far more on your energy bill than you actually need. Many houses with electric heaters leave them on all the time, which means they are not taking proper advantage of cheaper night rate electricity. All of these could be good pieces of advice for your household.

We should all be spending as little as we need to hear our homes comfortably, both for the sake of the planet and to help our own budgets.

Canon Sheila McLachlan