As the winter weather continues to take its toll, homeowners will be more aware than ever of the increasing cost of their energy bills. With this in mind, advice on methods to make the home more energy efficient could not be more valuable. Simon Osborne, Head of Product Management at Baxi, provides installers with top tips on how to offer customers more.
Though initial uptake of the scheme has been low, the Green Deal is there to help people save energy and reduce bills, meaning it is one of the first recommendations you should make to your customers. Securing a government loan for technologies such as energy efficient boilers, solar thermal panels, double glazing, cavity or solid wall insulation can guarantee long term savings for homeowners.
The Green Deal might not be right for everybody, but this doesn’t mean that they can’t still benefit from energy efficient and cost effective solutions for their homes. For example, when specifying new boilers, it is worthwhile selecting models that come with extended warranty periods. Many suppliers now offer models with warranties of up to 10 years, such as the Baxi Platinum Combi HE A. Not only will this mean that customers will benefit from reduced bills, due to the boiler running more efficiently, but it also guarantees peace of mind in case there are any unexpected repairs to be made.
An annual service on the anniversary of the boiler installation is required to maintain the terms of the warranty and should be recommended as a means of avoiding costly break downs. At Baxi, we make the process easy for the homeowner as we send reminder cards on behalf of the installer – we don’t insist on the manufacturer servicing the boiler.
In addition, the importance of effective heating controls should also be pointed out. Installation of thermostats and TRVs can control the temperature from room to room, which gives the option to reduce the heat in areas which are not used as regularly, thus reducing wasted energy. There are also a number of simple tips that can be adopted on a day-to-day basis in order to make crucial energy savings.
For example, recommending that the dwelling remains at a constant temperature rather than fluctuating on-demand can save money and energy for homes. This ensures that the building fabric remains at a more consistent temperature rather than heating from a lower temperature ever time the boiler is switched on.
Taking this a step further, the introduction of ‘zoning’ is now required in the majority of UK dwellings and can effectively minimise energy demand by using the natural buoyance of warm air. This can be achieved by introducing heating zones throughout the home or simply by setting TRVs a couple of increments lower upstairs.
Needless to say, there are many efficiency techniques that can be recommended to help homeowners save both energy and money. Installers are regarded by consumers as a trusted experts, and, by offering better advice at every level, they can continue to increase new business opportunities as a result.
