Energy Advice Guides for Futureproofing Your Home

The word ‘carbon’ is used a lot in the language of tackling climate change, and more recently the phrase ‘net zero’ has become popular; but what do these terms mean? Often, they are used as shorthand and the meaning can be unclear, so this guide aims to explain the language and the ideas behind some of the words commonly used.

Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) use pipes buried in the ground to extract heat for use in radiators, underfloor heating systems and hot water in your home. Depending on the suitability of the house and other multiple aspects, a GSHP can use around a third less electricity for heating than other forms of electrical heating.

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) absorb heat from the outside air for use in radiators, underfloor or warm air heating systems and hot water in your home. When correctly installed in a suitable property and used correctly, an ASHP can use around a third less electricity for heating than other forms of electrical heating.

Our Sustainable Homes Advice Service team have put together answers to some frequently asked questions to help you if you’re considering making the transition to low carbon energy or already have a heat pump.

Sunlight can easily be used to heat domestic hot water and in some cases, can also be used to heat your home.

Wood fuelled appliances are best suited to properties without access to the mains gas network.

The South West is one of the best areas of the country to install solar photovoltaic (PV) due to its sunny climate. Solar PV is a renewable energy technology which can help reduce your carbon footprint, save money on your bills as well as generating a small income through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). This guide offers free solar panel advice, so you can make the right decision for you and your home.

Our Sustainable Homes Advice Service team have put together answers to some frequently asked questions to help you if you’re considering making the transition to low carbon energy or already have Solar PV.

Having invested in a roof-top solar PV system it’s important to make sure you get the best from your system. This guide provides some tips for using the system as installed, and some additional options you can add to get more benefit from the free energy you are generating.

Electric cars or Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly common on our roads and although they currently cost more to buy and a comprehensive charging network is still being developed, they already offer cheaper running costs and reduced CO₂ emissions.