News : North Devon Insight

The recent wintery weather has highlighted how vital it is to ensure our homes are as warm and energy efficient as possible. The extreme cold temperatures we have experienced recently have meant tens of thousands of households in Devon have struggled to afford to heat their homes adequately in order to keep warm and well.

There are many ways to make sure our homes are more energy efficient and easier to heat such as drawing the curtains early to keep heat in, installing a more energy efficient boiler and using heating controls properly.

Insulating the home is one of the most effective measures householders can take to save energy, with up to one third of heat loss in an un-insulated home being through the walls and a quarter through the roof. It means householders can save up to £420 per year by having both loft and cavity wall insulation installed as well as feeling much warmer, more comfortable and staying healthier.

CosyDevon is a major campaign which offers householders free or greatly reduced prices on home insulation. The scheme is backed by all ten local authorities across Devon and Devon County Council working with Energy Action Devon and E.ON, one of the UK’s leading energy suppliers. It is available to all homeowners, private tenants and private landlords across the county.

David Fletcher, Chief Executive of Energy Action Devon who manages CosyDevon, said the aim of the scheme was simple – to make homes warmer and more energy efficient and to save people money on their fuel bills.

Mr Fletcher added “CosyDevon is here to help and we can offer free, impartial advice, arrange free, no obligation surveys and ensure people can benefit from the free offers and significant discounts available to assist people in insulating their homes”.

Under the scheme, householders in North Devon can get a free, no obligation survey and then have their home insulated for as little as £99 per measure (£149 if both loft and cavity wall insulation installed). It could be free for those aged 60 or over or for those with an annual household income of less than £18,000.

To find out more about what is available in your area and to take advantage of these great offers and discounts call the Energy Saving Trust advice centre for free, impartial advice on free phone 0800 512 012 or visit the Cosy Devon website at
cosydevon.co.uk