Maidenhead & Windsor

The first Maidenhead frost of winter was forecast as the Royal Borough's energy and health officer Emma Flower put a Maidenhead councillor's home under the energy efficiency microscope – and sent out the message to all local residents that they can make their homes warmer by using LESS fuel.

Maidenhead Cllr Mary Stock opened her Clarefield Drive home so that council colleagues could go on an energy-saving tour, finding out from Emma that they can not only make their homes warmer by taking a few simple steps, but save money at the same time.

Emma reported that Cllr Stock's home was a "pretty good" example of how to save energy and, as her visits to other local Maidenhead homes have shown, sometimes it needs only a little adjustment to make a difference.

Emma explained: "Turning down the temperature by just one degree and drawing the curtains at dusk can help reduce the fuel bill, but the real difference comes if homes are well insulated and it's important for anyone changing their heating system to make sure it is as energy efficient as possible.

"People are often concerned about the costs but there are discounts available for insulation and, for people who receive certain benefits, there are 100% grants for heating and insulation. I am happy to give residents advice about how to find the best for their particular needs."

Emma's visits are completely free and take around half-an-hour, after which she feeds the details into her computer to produce an energy rating for each home. Residents are sent a follow-up report along with a wealth of information about grant and discount schemes such as Cocoon and Solarsavers. If a resident qualifies for grant funding Emma can give advice about registering with the appropriate scheme.

To book a free Maidenhead home energy survey contact Emma on 01628 683820 or email customer.service@rbwm.gov.uk

Cllr Margaret Hyde, chairman of Maidenhead council's sustainability panel, encouraged borough residents to book an energy survey. She said: "This is a completely free service and it could lead to saving energy. If we all did even a little to reduce the energy we use in our homes it could make a real contribution saving the earth's precious resources – and help us save money too."

Where to get energy-saving information

Cocoon

Proper insulation is one of the most cost effective ways to cut energy bills and help homes stay warmer in winter. Cocoon identifies the best value grant or discount scheme for people's individual needs. Discounts are available for homeowners and private tenants for loft and cavity wall insulation. People who receive certain benefits may qualify for a grant to cover the full cost.
To find out more call Cocoon on 0800 8048 777 (Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm) or visit www.cocoonyourhome.co.uk

Solarsavers

Government grants of £400 are available to help towards the costs of installing solar water heating. Solarsavers provides the opportunity to install a solar water heating system at a reasonable price, with peace of mind that householders are using installers who offer value for money, good service and reliable products. For Solarsavers information call 0800 107 0044.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead