Carrickfergus Borough Council - Home Energy Efficiency

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Home Energy Efficiency

Ways to keep the heat in 

Heating your home can be expensive, so it pays to keep the heat in. The following can help to keep your home warmer for longer and more energy efficient.

• Hot water tank jacket.
• Draught proofing
• Cavity wall and solid wall insulation
• Loft insulation
• An efficient heating system
• Double glazing

 Keeping Warm at Home 

Those most vulnerable to the cold are older people, people with disabilities or illnesses, babies and young children.

The recommended room temperature for the living area is 21^o C.

• If you can, heat all the rooms you use during the day. If this is not possible, make sure your living area is kept warm during the day and heat your bedroom before going to bed.
• Wearing the right kind of clothes can help keep you much warmer. Wear several thin layers of clothes- this traps body heat better than one thick layer. Clothes made from wool, cotton or fleecy synthetic materials are warmest.
• Do not stay sitting still for long periods. Any activity, even household chores, gets the circulation going and makes you feel warmer.
• Eat at least one hot meal a day. Have hot drinks throughout the day and one before bedtime.

Simple Ways to Save Energy 

• Turn your thermostat down by 1^o C can cut your heating bill by 10%.
• Take appliances off standby- they continue to use 5% of energy while left on standby.
• Kettles only boil as much water as you need insuring you have covered the element ( in electric kettle)
• Close curtains and tuck behind radiators to keep the heat in.
• Use 30⁰ C Instead of 40⁰C temperature programmes when washing clothes.
• If you are buying new appliances, look for the energy saving logo. The higher the rating the more you save.
• Energy saving light bulbs use 20% less energy than standard bulbs and can last up to 12 times longer.

(This energy saving information was provided by the Energy Saving Trust)

The Energy Savings Trust is a one-stop advice centre for energy efficiency advice.  You can contact them on 0800 512 012 or visit their website www.est.org.uk for more information.

The recently launched Fuel Poverty Strategy for NI can be viewed by clicking here.

Bryson Energy Helpline

Bryson Energy has provided a free impartial energy advice centre telephone and outreach service for householders since 1995.  It has been supported by a range of organisations including the Housing Executive, local Councils, utility companies and the Energy Saving Trust.  Despite the withdrawal of Energy Saving Trust funding and the existing freephone, Bryson Energy will continue to provide a free impartial energy advice centre telephone and outreach service for householders in Northern Ireland. 

Bryson Energy will be launching a new Freephone contact telephone number (0800 1422 865) for the service in April 2012.

Renewable Heat Premium Payment

What is it all about?

The Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Premium Payment (NIRHPP) is a government designed scheme to help domestic householders afford renewable technologies that can heat their home.  This is a short term measure prior to the possible introduction of a Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive for the domestic sector. 

Who can apply?

The Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme is for all householders in Northern Ireland.  The scheme is also open to private landlords.

All successful applicants will need to adhere to certain conditions and standards.

To learn more about the conditions and how to apply, FAQs and Application Form please click on the links below.

Information and Guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

Application Form

Terms and Conditions

The Bryson Energy website may also be useful to you.

Please click here to view the 1st edition NEA NI's Newsletter. This newsletter is sponsored by the Public Health Agency and will provide you with fuel poverty policy information as well as current programmes of work aimed at providing advice or support to householders.