How to save on your energy bill in 2022
Jub Systems • February 3, 2022
As 2022 has now settled in and British households are feeling the pressure of their energy bills going up, every media outlet has that topic on their agenda.
One of the recent stories that reached the public is that of two energy companies making a public apology because they advised people to layer up, cuddle their pets and do some exercise to keep warm.
However, it’s not the consumers that have caused the current energy crisis, the primary reason is the sudden surge in gas prices. Individual homes are affected differently. One main distinction that will separate some houses from the rest is how efficient the building is at keeping the heat in.
For example, two homes are in the same climate and are 15 miles apart. One was built in 1960 and the other in 2015. The house built in the 60s consumed three times more gas than the one built in 2015. Why is that?
Nowadays, it’s standard new-build properties to have had insulation installed, which can increase your energy efficiency rating.
According to research conducted by the Office for National Statistics, there is a significant disparity between British households as 60% of homes have poor energy efficiency ratings (bands F & G).
With energy bills expected to stay high for a few years, it’s even more important for the government to continue offering the public different schemes to improve their energy efficiency rating. Installing external wall insulation is one of the most common solutions to reducing heat loss and improving the thermal performance of a building.
For the next half of winter, there are a few simple tricks that can help you reduce your energy bills.
Switch off electrical appliances that are on standby- Draught-proof windows and doors
- Avoid your tumble dryer and use your washing machine on a 30- or 40-degree cycle
- Make sure you turn off your lights when you leave
- Insulate your hot water cylinder
For a long-term solution, invest in external wall insulation. If you’d like to learn more about how installing external wall insulation can benefit your home, don’t hesitate to contact our team at info@jub.org.uk.
In recent years, homeowners and builders have increasingly turned to external wall insulation (EWI) to enhance the energy efficiency and durability of solid-wall properties. Let's look at the many advantages of external home insulation.
You’ve decided to have external render installed to the exterior of your property but now comes the question, which render colour do you go for? Here are some tips on choosing the right exterior house render colour.
To ensure a successful application of our JUB silicone renders, follow this comprehensive step-by-step guide.
From enhancing aesthetics to boosting durability, discover how the right choice of external render can elevate the visual appeal and performance of commercial properties.
Introducing the Great British Insulation Scheme, previously known as ECO+, a government initiative aimed at helping households insulate their homes, improve energy efficiency and reduce energy bills. With the scheme already launched and set to run until March 2026, it's time to discover how this £1 billion programme can benefit households across the UK. In this blog post, we'll delve into the details of the scheme, its eligibility criteria and the range of energy-saving measures available. Benefits of the Great British Insulation Scheme The Great British Insulation Scheme aims to support approximately 300,000 households by providing financial assistance for home insulation. By participating in the scheme, households can save an estimated £300 to £400 per year on their energy bills. The focus is on helping those with the lowest incomes, while also extending support to households living in energy-inefficient homes with Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings of D or below, as well as those in lower Council Tax bands (A-D in England, A-E in Scotland and Wales). This inclusive approach ensures that more people, especially those struggling with high energy costs, can benefit from making their homes more energy efficient. The Aim of the Great British Insulation Scheme The Great British Insulation Scheme has a clear goal: to deliver single insulation measures to two main groups of customers. The first group consists of low-income individuals who do not meet the minimum requirements for ECO4 assistance. The scheme aims to provide them with valuable insulation measures to improve their living conditions. The second group includes households based on council tax band and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, targeting a wider range of individuals who can benefit from energy-saving upgrades.
Welcome to our guide on external render repair and maintenance. Whether you have a JUB render and/or an external wall insulation system, proper maintenance is essential to ensure longevity and visual appeal. By following our step-by-step instructions, you can reduce the need for extensive render repairs in the future, saving you both time and money. Let's dive into the key steps for effective render repair and maintenance. Step 1: Thorough Cleaning and Primer Application Before starting any redecoration work, it's crucial to clean the external render thoroughly. Remove any visible dirt or dust from the surface, ensuring a clean and smooth base for the upcoming paint application. If necessary, treat the facade with JUB Fungi Wash to eliminate any fungal growth or contaminants. However, avoid using acid-based cleaners or solvents, as they can damage the external wall insulation system. To enhance the adhesion and durability of the new paint, we highly recommend applying an appropriate paint primer to the cleaned render. Step 2: Choosing the Correct Paint Choosing the correct paint is crucial for achieving a long-lasting and visually pleasing exterior finish. Take into account the type of render you have and consult our technical department at technical@jub.org.uk for guidance on the suitable paint product. Avoid using masonry paint that JUB Systems UK Limited hasn't advised to maintain warranties and prevent short-term maintenance cycles. Keep the original render's colour code on file for future reference to ensure accurate colour matching.
Why Silicone Render is the Best Choice for a Property’s Exterior: Benefits, Application & Aesthetics
When it comes to a property's exterior, making a lasting impression with a beautiful and durable finish is key. That's where silicone render comes in. As a high-performance external render, it offers a multitude of benefits that make it the best choice for homeowners and renderers seeking long-lasting and visually appealing results. Benefits of Silicone Render: Why Choose It? Silicone render stands out for its numerous advantages. Firstly, it provides exceptional weather resistance, making it perfect for even the harshest climates. It can endure heavy rain, extreme temperatures and strong winds without cracking or fading. This ensures that a property maintains its stunning appearance for years to come. Another significant benefit is its breathability. By allowing moisture to escape through the walls of a property, it prevents the build-up of dampness and condensation. This is especially crucial for older houses and buildings with potentially inadequate insulation. By opting for silicone render, you can improve a property's energy efficiency and reduce the risk of dampness and mould. Flexibility is also a key feature of silicone render, setting it apart from traditional render systems. While other renders can be brittle and prone to cracking, silicone render is designed to move naturally with the property's walls, minimising the likelihood of unsightly fissures over time.
The ECO4 scheme has been helping eligible households in the UK to access free insulation and energy efficiency upgrades to reduce energy costs and support sustainable living. However, not all households that need support with improving their homes are receiving income-related benefits. That's why the UK government introduced the ECO Flex scheme. Under ECO Flex, local authorities are provided with more funding to identify residents who would benefit from home upgrades, even if they don't meet the standard eligibility criteria for ECO4. With ECO Flex, households don't have to be on benefits to qualify for funding. ECO Flex Eligibility The eligibility criteria for ECO Flex is quite comprehensive. To qualify, your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating must be between E-G if you rent or D-G if you own your home. If your property is not currently on the EPC register, we can help assess it for you. You must also have a combined household income of less than £31,000. Alternatively, if you meet the EPC criteria, you can qualify for ECO Flex if you meet the following: Your home is within a specific postcode identified by your local council. You receive a council tax rebate (single-person occupancy excluded). You are identified as vulnerable to living in a cold home: someone in the home is pregnant, disabled or elderly, you have children under 5, or someone in the home has a medical condition. Your child receives free school meals. Your home is identified as being in debt to your energy provider. Another way to qualify is if you are identified by your GP as vulnerable to the cold and on a low income.
In an effort to reduce carbon emissions and increase properties’ EPC rating, the UK government has launched the ECO4 scheme, which aims to provide eligible households with free insulation and energy efficiency upgrades. Benefits of ECO4 The scheme is targeted at low-income households and those living in fuel poverty and is designed to help: Reduce Energy Bills: By providing eligible households with free insulation and energy efficiency upgrades, the scheme helps to reduce energy bills, making it easier for households to stay warm during the winter months. Improve Living Conditions: By installing insulation and energy efficiency measures, the scheme helps to make homes more comfortable, reduce noise levels and improve indoor air quality. Reduce Carbon Emissions: The scheme helps to reduce carbon emissions by promoting sustainable living and reducing energy consumption. This is an important step in creating a more sustainable future. Support Low-Income Households: The ECO4 scheme is designed to reduce the financial burden of heating and cooling a home and can improve the quality of life for those living in fuel poverty.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government scheme that offers grant funding to support energy-inefficient homes, which in turn aims to reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions. In this blog article, we’ll take you through all the details you need to know about the ECO funding scheme, what are the differences between ECO4, ECO+ and ECO4 Flex and do you qualify for free insulation grants. ECO: A Brief Overview ECO was developed for energy suppliers to financially support households across the UK with the aim of boosting the property’s energy efficiency and EPC rating. There are three sets of insulation grants available under the Energy Company Obligation: ECO4, ECO+ and ECO4 Flex. Each grant has its specific eligibility criteria but all of them offer the main types of energy-efficiency measures. These include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation and boiler replacement or repair. Can I Get Free Insulation? To qualify for the ECO insulation grants, you need to be the homeowner or have a signed document from your landlord granting you permission to apply. Eligibility criteria for each of the three grants vary and will depend on several factors. Here are some of the factors that if you meet, you will most likely be eligible for the grant to insulate your home: If you receive the Warm Home Discount in the 'core' group, get eligible benefits and fit the income requirements Live in social housing that has an EPC rating of E or lower (check your energy performance certificate, ask your landlord or social housing association or get in touch with an approved installer to find out ) You meet the criteria set by your Local Authority
