An energy efficient home

It's always great for us to see happy customers with warm fires and stoves to keep their homes cosy - but it's important to make sure you're not losing all that lovely heat you're creating. Thinking about energy efficiency at home won't only conserve heat, it can save money too. We've put together a few tips to help you make sure you aren't wasting money and energy -

• Poor window fittings can lead to drafts, letting in cold air. Make sure your windows are properly fitted and insulated.  You may want to consider double glazing.
• Drawing your curtains as soon as it gets dark helps to keep your home warm.
• It's surprising how much heat can be lost through the roof.  Is your loft space insulated?  Having an insulated loft can soon save money on heating bills.
• If you are burning wood, make sure you come to Westcombes to stock up on kiln-dried wood which is far more efficient than the damp, unseasoned wood you may get elsewhere. 
• Adjusting your heating thermostat by just a degree can cut your bills by as much as 10%.  If you don't have a thermostat - get one!
• Make sure you turn electrical appliances off rather than leaving them on standby which is using electricity all the time.
• Dripping hot water taps cost you money! 
• If you don't use them already, try energy-saving light bulbs.
• Make sure you turn the lights off when you leave a room.
• Only boil the water you actually need when you put the kettle on for a cup of tea.