Could cold spell prompt further energy efficiency in UK households?
With warnings being issued that a cold spell is taking place in the UK this week, now might be the chance for British households to invest in energy efficient measures.
This could include spending money on real time energy monitoring in order to gain access to up-to-the-minute information about fuel consumption.
Such data can be used by households to reduce their bills by providing them with details about where usage is highest and areas in which it can be cut back.
Gas and electricity consumption looks set to soar this week, with the Met Office issuing a cold weather warning for all regions of England.
According to the forecasting agency, "there is a 100 per cent probability of severe cold weather between 10:00 GMT on Wednesday and 10:00 GMT on Saturday in all parts of England" and this could affect transport, delivery of services and prove a health risk to vulnerable patients.
The Landlord Syndicate has offered advice about how properties can be best prepared for freezing conditions, including ensuring all pipes and tanks in lofts are insulated properly and overflow pipes are not blocked and are correctly connected.
In addition, it pointed out that all external pipe work should be lagged and outdoor taps either fitted with insulated jackets or switched off and drained down. Roofs, drain grates and gutters should be checked for damage or debris.
"During the cold snap just over a year ago, escape of water claims rose by a staggering 900 per cent," stated Eddie Hooker, chief executive of syndicate member Total Landlord Insurance.
Anyone leaving properties empty should place the eating on a low setting, something that a timer could assist with, while doors between heated and unheated parts of homes should be left open to enable warm air to circulate.
Insurer Saga has reported that 7.1 million homes in the UK were affected by the cold weather last winter, with many experiencing their central heating or boilers breaking down, something that taking action to protect pipes and systems could safeguard against.
