Kim Woodburn
Celeb cleaner Kim Woodburn teams up with British Gas to call on the nation to Energy Spring Clean
The heat is still on for more than eight million people yet to change their heating settings since January 2011, according to new research released today from British Gas.
The research also reveals whilst 74% of us are likely to spring clean this year, less than a quarter (21%) of the population are likely to make any energy efficiency improvements. This is despite the fact that homes in Britain could save up to £322 a year from energy efficiency measures.
This is why today British Gas has enlisted the help of expert cleaner Kim Woodburn (Channel 4’s How Clean Is Your House) and British Gas engineer Charlie Brown to launch the Energy Spring Clean to help people stop wasting and start saving.
Even with temperatures soaring to 23oC this April, almost half of the nation (48%) is yet to take even the simplest of steps to change the timer settings on their heating since January 2011. Nearly half (46%) admit their thermostat hasn’t been turned down either.
Kim said: “With a squeeze on household bills, it is madness to throw money away through wasted energy. Sorting out your heating for the warmer months is a first step but there are so many quick and easy things you can do as part of your regular spring clean routine. I always begin my spring clean in the grubbiest room of the house, the kitchen. For example, simply de-scaling your kettle allows the water to boil more quickly using less energy.
“I was really surprised but delighted to hear 69% of men are planning a spring clean this year, so make the most of this luvvies and encourage your man to make your home both clean and efficient at the same time.”
Charlie Brown, British Gas’s Energy Spring Clean Expert said: “This spring we’re reminding people to turn off, turn down and save. It’s time to start thinking about how you can save on your bills.
“Surprisingly, your boiler is one of the biggest sources of wasted energy and money in the home. Having an inefficient boiler could be wasting up to 25% of your spend on heating bills – that’s up to £225* a year.”
Kick-starting your Energy Spring Clean
·lightbulb moment – with plenty more daylight at this time of year remember to switch off unnecessary lights around the home. Replacing old lightbulbs with energy efficient ones is a quick win – they last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs and save you around £40 over the lifetime of the bulb.
·Make the most of the mess - when redecorating, why not take advantage of the disarray by replacing your old boiler or insulating your home? Your boiler is one of the biggest culprits to waste your money in the home with the most inefficient boilers wasting up to £225*. Similarly, loft and cavity wall insulation, which British Gas is offering free to its customers can save you £145 and £110 a year respectively.**
·Be safe and smart – an Energy Spring Clean is also about keeping your home safe so check you have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted. You can’t see, smell or taste carbon monoxide so you might not know it’s there until it’s too late.
·Standby for energy savings – whilst you are untangling the web of wires behind the TV, consider using a standby saver, which could help you save up to £30 a year by automatically switching off connected electrical appliances.
·Be clean and lean - don’t forget, for every half an hour cleaning, you will burn an average of 100 calories. You’ll also keep nice and warm meaning you can turn the thermostat down and save on your energy bills this Spring.
Top Energy Spring Clean Stats:
·74% of UK households are planning a spring clean over the bank holiday period
·69% of men are planning a spring clean this year
·More than 8 million people haven’t changed their heating settings since winter
·Nearly half (46%) of householders haven’t turned down their thermostat
·Brits could save up to £322 a year through energy efficiency measures
·An inefficient boiler could be wasting 25% of spend on heating bills, equivalent to £225 a year
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