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Reducing Carbon Emissions: Rethinking Home Heating Though more people than ever are aware of the rate of global warming, many of us still haven’t grasped the gravity of the problem. Last month, Gordon Brown called attention to the seriousness of the issue by recalling the summer heat-wave of 2003, which caused over 35,000 extra deaths throughout Europe. Brown grimly warmed that if current trends in carbon emissions and energy waste remain the same, such a catastrophe could become the norm in Britain in only a few decades’ time. As the winter months draw close, most of us will want to notch up the central heating in our homes. These days, only a small fraction of UK homes are without central heating; in 2004, only 7% of households. Regrettably, central heating accounts for enormous amounts of carbon emissions. In fact, four fifths of the energy that is consumed by the average UK household goes on heating the home. Thankfully, advances in boiler and central heating technology have enabled many households to reduce their consumption of harmful fossil fuels, and without having to go cold. For example, by replacing an old G-rated boiler with a more modern high efficiency condensing boiler, you could significantly reduce your home’s carbon emissions. Condensing boilers capture the condensation produced in the process of burning gas, reducing energy consumption by 10%. Also, switching your heating off for an extra two hours a day can cut consumption by a further 6%. In addition, there are several major gas and electricity suppliers who are committed to incorporating the reduction of greenhouse gases centrally into their procedures. British Gas, for example, are major promoters of the use of natural gas as an eco-friendly alternative to other hydrocarbon fuels. To this end, British Gas has developed a wide range of green initiatives, one of which is energy efficient home-heating devices. In specific, British Gas is supplying energy saving light bulbs, wall and loft insulation and various kinds of energy efficient radiators. Their Fit Heat Keeper Radiator Panels, for instance, are designed to go behind your radiator, reflecting already generated heat back into the room and maintaining it in circulation; this cuts down fuel-use, carbon emissions and wasted energy. British Gas is also selling Thermostatic radiator valves so that heat is controlled and radiators turned off when no one is in the room. Importantly, reducing energy consumption in the home not only offers to help reduce environmental damage. It will also allow you to save a great deal on heating bills. Investigate the British Gas website for more on their radiators, which will have detailed information on their products. |