Simple steps to energy efficiency

When it comes to major improvements such as installing solar panels or insulation, rental tenants may not have permission to make their property greener, however, there are simple steps they can take to reduce their utility bills, it has been asserted.

According to Chris Goodall, in an article for the Guardian, one quick and easy step tenants could take is to dig out their DIY tools and fill in any gaps they find in their doors.

Checking for leaks in window frames or the brick work itself and filling these gaps in could see people immediately boosting their home's insulation and saving money as a result.

"Think about putting reflective panels behind your radiators. This will send more of the heat back into the room," Mr Goodall added.

This could see tenants saving around five per cent on their heating bills.

Britons looking for flats to rent in Islington or another area of London can ask to see the Energy Performance Certificate of the property to determine how much its bills are likely to be.

However, under its new green strategy the government recently pledged to do more to make privately rented accommodation more energy efficient.

Written by Charles Mackay

Published 3rd March, 2010

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