Latest Diy News Throws Light On Global Warming

Global warming is sending our climate into turmoil, so our scientists tell us. This means increasingly colder winters in the UK, followed by sweltering summers.

It remains to be seen what kind of summer we will have, because weve certainly seen cold winters recently. Its hardly surprising that the latest DIY news is focussed on insulation and energy usage.

Whatever your views on the global warming debate, its always handy to be given advice on how to save on energy bills especially as it seems a further price hike is on the way. We at Wickes keep a close eye on the DIY news, especially when its in the national newspapers. Most of us are familiar with the need for roof and cavity wall insulation. Now Jeff Howell, the Daily Telegraphs resident DIY expert, has suggested that householders insulate downstairs timber floors, as well, saying it will make a big difference to fuel bills.
The same article also states the need for draught-proofing doors and windows this is a simple task that is well within the capabilities of most householders. Another effective way to reduce fuel costs is by fitting aluminium-framed secondary glazing to windows.
uSwitch has reported that the typical annual household energy bill is more than 1200. With big cuts in household spending seeming likely in 2010, what other DIY news is there on this front? Its been suggested that even a leaky hot tap in the bathroom can add substantially to home energy bills if it isnt fixed promptly. Remember all the time that hot water is being lost, the heating system is working overtime trying to replenish it. With energy costs spiralling through the roof, a leaky washer could cost you dearly in the coming year.
Other DIY news relates to the quality of loft insulation in particular, the depth. In order to be effective, roof insulation must be laid to a depth of at least 10 inches. Over 40% of home energy bills are spent on central heating, so you dont want to let any more heat escape than you have to.
An out-of-date heating system makes a large contribution to your carbon footprint and to the hole in your bank balance. Perhaps the most breaking bit of DIY news relates to the boiler scrappage scheme, which is now up and running. Up to 125,000 households in the UK could benefit from trading in their old boilers for new, energy efficient ones courtesy of the government. If you have a G-rated boiler in working order, you can apply to the Energy Saving Trust for a 400 voucher towards a new A-rated boiler, or alternatively a renewable heating system.
It is thought that switching to a more efficient A-rated boiler could save the average household up to 235 a year, and there are plenty of other DIY strategies you can use to reduce the size of both your carbon footprint and your utility bills. Keep an eye on our latest DIY news at Wickes, and see how much you could save.