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A significant contributor to the effects of Climate change is Carbon Dioxide (CO2). CO2 is released during the burning of fossil fuels which, at the moment, are our main source of energy worldwide. Domestic housing accounts for around 1/3rd of the UK's total CO2 emissions and the average home is responsible for around 6 tonnes of CO2 per year... thats enough to fill 6 hot air baloons! So by reducing our energy needs at home, we will not only save money but also the environment.

There are 3 main steps to conserving energy:

1: Keep the heat in:  Insulation such as loft and cavity wall, stops heat escaping and being wasted, meaning we can use our central heating much less. Installing cavity wall insulation can save you around £180 per year on your fuel bills, and with the grants available you can get it installed for as little as £200. Every householder in Devon is entitled to a grant to help with the cost of energy efficiency measures, and those in receipt of certain benefits are eligible for 100% grant. To find out what you are entitled to and to arrange a free survey call the Devon Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 0800 512 012.

2: Use controls properly to maximise efficiency: Learning to use heating controls such as digital programmers, thermostatic radiator valves and room thermostats can save pounds on your fuel bill. Turning down the thermostat just 1 degree can save you 10%. The EEAC recommends a temperature of 16 degrees for the average household, with the over 60's and those with young children being recommended a higher temperature of around 20 - 21 degrees. The EEAC can help you with your heating controls... call 0800 512 012 for assistance.

3. Choose energy savers: Look for the Energy Saving Recommended logo when choosing new appliances. All appliances will be rated between A - G on their efficiency... the closer to A, the more efficient the appliance. Visit the Energy Saving Trust website at www.est.org.uk for a list of recommended appliances and advice. Installing energy saving light bulbs can save you up to £9 per year per bulb, and if every home in the UK installed just one, enough energy would be saved to close one coal fired power station! Look out for the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre at the county show and other events this year, as they will be giving free energy saving light bulbs to all visitors to their stand.

If you have money to invest you might want to consider producing your own energy. Visit the Renewable Energy Sub Groups page to see factsheets on different renewable technologies available. Renewable Energy for Devon is a project providing advice and funding to Devon homeowners and businesses for renewable energy projects, so have a look at their website at www.re4d.org or call 0800 512 012 for more information.

For more information on saving energy visit Westcountry Energy Actions website at www.wcea.org.uk or the Energy Saving Trust or call 0800 512 012