Article written by Ed Hill of Your Ashford, Issue 147, 21/07/10
New homes springing up around Ashford are designed to cut carbon emissions, but householders in older homes can play their part. I followed Mike Bundy, a surveyor with Creative Environmental Networks, employed by Ashford’s Future to offer energy-saving advice to householders.
He was visiting residents in Kennington and Bybrook, taking advantage of a pilot scheme aimed at making more of the town sustainable. Modern homes conform to the latest building regulations, meaning carbon costs are much lower, but in older properties a few simple measures can cut consumption considerably.
We visited Howard Air, 66, who lives in a 1960s semi-detached bungalow in Bybrook. His home showed several areas where he could save money. Firstly, the cavity walls had not been insulated. Mike estimated that Mr Air could save as much as £100 pounds a year on his heating for an initial outlay of between £150 to £200.
The former teacher and carer was given a free chimney balloon designed to reduce heat loss via his chimney flue, which can be removed when he has an open fire in the winter months. He also benefited from low-energy light bulbs, a bag that saves a litre of water per flush in the toilet and a hose trigger to save water when watering the garden.
As a single man with relatively low water usage, Mr Bundy said Mr Air would also be advised to install a water meter. Mr Air, who had lived in the bungalow since 1984, said: “I think this scheme is brilliant for people like me, who may not be aware of the latest things available. Some of us on very low incomes may not even be able to afford the small amount of outlay even for these simple items that can save us money.”
We then visited Bishnu and Krishna Gharti. A Gurkha couple with two children who were keen to save money. Since moving to Ashford from America in 2008 they have found living costs high. Their home was already relatively energy efficient; a new condensing boiler had been fitted and the home was well insulated.
However, they were pleased with a free meter that allowed them to monitor how much electricity they use and advice about changing their electricity tariff.
The scheme comes to an end this month but Ashford’s Future is hoping to extend it to the rest of the town if it can get more funding. Laurienne Tibbles, Ashford’s Future sustainability manager, said: “This is an easy way to improve the existing housing stock and save people money...It is open to everyone. You can be an owner or tenant. The main thing is to make people aware that they can make a difference to climate change."
To speak to somebody today about Ashford Retrofit call us on 0800 014 7411.