PHAM DECJAN22:Layout 1 06/12/2021 14:27 Page 1
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 | VOLUME 59 | ISSUE 10
phamnews.co.uk
Home improvements needed to address the rising cost of energy A rapid rise in domestic heating bills has led to increasing concern about the poor state of many UK homes and the need to improve energy PʯNTPYNd WPaPW^
future. More than half the country’s homes were built before ˚ˢ˟˞, more than a third were built before ˚ˢ˝˞, and a fifth were built before ˚ˢ˚ˢ. And with fewer than ˛˙˙̇˙˙˙ new homes being constructed on average between ˚ˢˢ˚ and ˛˙˚ˠ, the housing stock is changing very slowly over time.
many more households into the ‘fuel poverty’ bracket. Those on the lowest incomes are also more likely to live in poorer quality housing, with the UK considered to have some of the oldest housing stock in Europe. According to the Building Research Establishment (BRE), dwellings built during the industrial revolution still form the backbone of many urban areas, presenting a number of challenges in making them healthy, safe and suitable for the
In a bid to address the issue of the UK possessing some of the least energy efficient housing in Europe, the MCS Charitable Foundation is calling on the government to introduce long-term homeowner loans at ˙% interest to support retrofitting of existing properties. The MCS says that other measures needed include the introduction of tax credits for energy efficiency and renewable energy equipment, and a programme to upskill and train renewable heat installers to MCS certified quality installation standards. “If the government is serious
about meeting emissions reduction targets, the decarbonisation of our current and future homes must urgently move up the political agenda, backed by robust legislation,” says David Cowdrey, head of external affairs at MCS. The MCS Charitable Foundation recently commissioned a YouGov survey of cross-party MPs that found that more than half (˞˟%) agree that it should be made a priority for the UK’s ˛ˢ million existing homes to have a green energy retrofit. The removal of VAT on all domestic renewables and energy efficiency measures for ˚˙ years was also supported by almost half of MPs (˝˟%). More than three quarters (ˠˠ%) believe that small-scale renewables, such as solar PV, solar thermal and heat pumps, should be incorporated into all new build properties, while less than half of MPs questioned believe the government is doing enough to meet net zero targets.
incidents and identify any changes over the years. The findings reveal that exposure to smoke and flames was the most common cause of A&E admissions linked to gas appliances, with a total of ˚˙̇˙˚˚ since ˛˙˚˙/˚˚. Contact with hot heating appliances, radiators and pipes caused the second-highest A&E trips in ten years, at ˢ˝˛˞. It’s also the only external cause that has increased in admissions, with ˝ˡ more occurring in ˛˙˛˙̓˛˚ than in ˛˙˚˙̓˚˚. Other gas related accidents have been caused by the explosion and rupture of gas cylinders (˚˙˜ˡ
admissions over ten years) and the explosion and rupture of boilers, with ˠ˟ admissions over the same time period. The report says that an explosion typically occurs if the boiler is overheating, overpressurised, or has a weak shell or parts. Dale Goodman, manager at Bensons Gas Engineering, says: “This large number of gas-related accidents and emergencies is extremely worrying, especially as these types of incidents are often avoidable. Many are triggered by a gas leak, which can be prevented by regular maintenance and servicing of gas appliances.
“Neglecting the gas safety of a property can have catastrophic consequences as faulty gas appliances can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and even explosions. Arranging for this yearly safety check is a quick and straightforward task that could be life-saving. “It’s also essential to prepare for the worst-case scenario, as some accidents are unforeseeable. Everybody should be clued up on the potential signs of a gas or carbon monoxide leak so that you can address it quickly and stop it from escalating into a lifethreatening situation.”
Long-term loans A recent report from National Energy Action (NEA) has warned that average domestic heating bills have soared by over £˛˜˙ per customer compared to last winter. The fuel poverty charity says that the anticipated increase to the energy price cap in April will see the average combined domestic dual fuel bill increase by a further £˞˞˙ per year. A poll by NEA found six out of ˚˙ British adults say they would reduce their heating use by a fair amount or a great deal if the cost of heating doubles, while there are fears that inflation pressures and increasing living costs will drive
Report on the number of gas-related accidents New research has revealed that there have been nearly ˜˙̇˙˙˙ gasrelated A&E admissions over the past decade. The team at Bensons Gas Engineering analysed NHS Digital reports from ˛˙˚˙/˚˚ to ˛˙˛˙/˛˚ to find out the most common causes of gas-related
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Inside this issue Gadgets & Tools Radio and battery charger combo See page 13
Vans & Racking Will van drivers switch to electric? See page 46
COMPETITION
Win a safe isolation kit See page ˝˞
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