› 
 › 

DIY Shy Brits Could Save UK £220m a Year

5/21/2009 3:31:42 PM

Traditionally Bank Holiday weekends are perceived as a prime opportunity to crack on with those DIY jobs around the house. However according to new research out today, over half (53%) the UK population are not confident enough to complete basic home improvement jobs.

By ‘brushing up’ on simple skills and choosing the eco-friendly route, the DIY Shy could make considerable savings to both their own pockets and the environment. Collectively they could save the nation around £220 million - and 1.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

By tackling simple-to-do home improvements, DIY Shy Brits can shave hundreds of pounds off their annual fuel bill, add long-term value to their existing home and save some cash some for the harder-to-do projects best left to a professional.

The survey of over 2,000 people for The Energy Saving Trust reveals that for three-quarters of us (77%), our DIY jobs do turn out as planned. With this in mind, perhaps it’s time to face our fears, get the dustsheets down, and get ‘ecorating’ this weekend.

Simple things such as filling cracks in floorboards and skirting boards, or fitting draught excluders to doors can help prevent heat loss and therefore reduce energy bills. Fitting a jacket to your hot water cylinder in conjunction with insulating the pipes, could save you at least £40 a year.

Putting a water butt outside can collect up to 200 litres at a time, which can then be reused when watering the plants to save water. For the more dedicated eco-DIYer, larger projects such as installing an energy-efficient heating system or replacing single glazed windows with double-glazing can all provide long-term investment on their property.

For some more top tips on how to be an eco-DIYers, go to http://www.est.org.uk

Added By: m4dc


Discuss


Font colour: Font size: Close Tags
Tip: Styles can be applied quickly to selected text.
Important: you must submit this form within 20 minutes or it may time out when you submit content!
 


Find more Tips & Did you know related to:


Related Community Content


Related Marketplace Content

Traditional Picnic Bench
Strong solid UK grown Douglas Fir picnic bench
Processed completely with the environment in mind
www.sustainable-furniture.co.uk/garden/picn
24
Send Business Card »    Discuss »
The Vort Prometeo
Up to 92% Efficient Heat Recovery Unit
Vortice's new generation of eco-friendly products
www.vortice.ltd.uk/heat_recovery
17
Send Business Card »    Discuss »
Applied Research Funding
Grow your low carbon idea with up to £500,000
of funding. Next call opens 14th December 2009
www.carbontrust.co.uk/low_carbon_funding
Send Business Card »    Discuss »
Strategic Commercialisation Director
Salary: £60K
Type: Full Time
Location: United Kingdom, South East, UK
Posted: 10 Nov 2009