The Green Familia » Energy Suppliers

Guest Post: UK big six cut energy prices

Brenda — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:27:42 +0000

The top six energy providers are working to keep up with sudden changes in the weather and an unexpected surplus of energy supply this month.

Three of the big six — SSE Plc, Centrica Plc, and Electricite de France SA–decreased their prices during the second week of January after a stint of unseasonably higher temperatures blanketed the UK. RWE AG and EON AG soon followed suit, and the following week, Scottish Power became the last of the big six to do so.

Although each company has announced a reduction in either gas or electricity prices, none of them has reduced both types of fuel simultaneously.

The largest provider, Centrica, offered a numerical roundup of what these cuts mean for customers, sharing that over 5 million of its patrons would benefit from cost reductions. Over the course of a year, they would add up to savings of around £24. Second in size, SSE reported similar results, with 3.5 million of its customers poised for a yearly savings of about £28.

The cuts in energy tariffs are a direct result of temperatures dropping in January below average numbers. The big six are currently benefiting from a 25 per cent drop in fuel prices, and the majority of them are passing along part of the savings to consumers, who will see approximately a 5 per cent cut in prices. The price cuts come as good news to consumers but has generally been accepted with caution due to price hikes last fall that equal three to four times the amount that they will save under the new pricing scheme.

When it comes to energy dependence, the big picture remains the same, and even the top energy providers themselves are warning that this trend is not likely to last as overall demand for fossil fuels continues to rise. Coupled with a tumultuous year in the oil-rich nations of the Middle East and a nuclear disaster in Japan, this demand is sure to put a squeeze on prices in future seasons.

However, Scottish Power CEO Neil Clitheroe stressed during its price cut announcement that his company saw the recent measure as part of a pact that they made with consumers not to increase prices when they were most vulnerable–during the harsh winter months.

A spokesman for Friends of the Earth, Paul Steedman, offered further perspective on the energy situation, insisting that the price cuts only magnify the downfalls of using fossil fuels as a source of energy. In addition pollution, relying on this kind of energy makes predicting fuel costs difficult because of external influences. For a family that is using it to power a home, drawing up a monthly or yearly budget based on energy prices becomes less feasible.

This unpredictability may be a major reason why large providers like Centrica are experiencing a loss of customers. Along with an increase in customer complaints reported by all of the big six, more consumers are beginning to switch to clean energy sources, according to a survey completed by Which? on customer satisfaction. The survey also revealed that Good Energy, a full-scale renewable energy provider, was voted as the top energy supplier.

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunshinecity/5436586179/

Guest Post: How To Become An Energy Entrepreneur

Brenda — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:52:31 +0000

Even in bad economic times, the energy industry is still providing big payoffs to entrepreneurs who dare to take advantage of its exciting changes. Most energy entrepreneurs are drawn to their subsequent ventures because they first recognise the unprecedented level of opportunity in the industry energy. The green revolution has provided much more interest than before in cleaner, renewable sources of power, and coupled with advances in technology, this interest is fuelling a wave of would-be business owners to place their bets on energy.

But having an idea for an energy business is only part of the puzzle. You must then think of an innovative idea that addresses an energy need in a unique way–for example, machinery that pays for itself over a short period of time, tools that can turn waste into electricity or equipment that creates energy out of things that we use every day.

Energy entrepreneurs also need to have a global perspective. As more modern systems–such as economies, technology and communications–become inextricably intertwined in a global network, any new energy ventures must also follow suit. Some of the best business opportunities in this industry can come from consulting with other innovative professionals all over the globe–from Switzerland to to Peru. This is because having an idea of the energy challenges that other cultures face gives you an edge on the competition. If you can create innovations that address cross-cultural concerns, more people will pay attention.

Even if you’re not into selling solar panels or kinetic energy adapters, you can still profit from the energy boom by thinking outside the box. Part of the challenge of all green renewable energy is making it accessible to everyday people. An engineer who works in Silicon Valley has no trouble seeing the value of “going off the grid”, but a working-class family in Manchester might just consider it a waste of time, money and energy to upgrade to a new system. These challenges present the opportunity to come up with a new brand of marketing and selling products as well as financing options that make it possible for ordinary families to embrace green energy.

No matter what kind of energy venture you take on, one of the first things you will need to succeed is proper financial backing. The good news is that even in murky investment waters, governments, big banks and angel investors are willing to take a chance on alternative energy because it is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the financial market. In addition, it helps them diversify their own energy portfolios, a strategy that every industry expert points to as a future solution to shortages of non-renewable energy sources. To attract such investors, you need to combine your unique idea with an attention-grabbing and convincing presentation. Tell your potential investors how far–and how fast–your business can go to get them to open up their check books. Experts predict that the energy industry will garner more than two trillion U.S. dollars over the next ten years in upgrades. You can have a piece of it, especially if you’re willing to employ strategic thinking, creativity and knowledge of the current state of the energy industry.

Perhaps the alternative energy industry presents so much promise because it’s a great cause that almost everyone can get behind. Or maybe it’s because it allows room for thousands of unique ideas, all with the same aim–to create more sustainable ways to carry out our everyday activities. Whatever the reason may be, if ever there were a time to become an entrepreneur, new energy dictates that that time is now.

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pure3d-visualizations/5289430443/

Guest Post: Are solar panels the right investment? Why should I invest in solar panels?

Brenda — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:00:52 +0000

The two questions people continue to ask me day after day; Are solar panels the right investment? Why should I invest in solar panels? I often answer this question by simply saying; Why not invest in a solar panel system? Should be the question you ask yourself. To which I receive mixed replies, but to be honest I struggle to find the disadvantages of having a solar system installed or at least disadvantages that could change opinions.

The real benefits of a solar panel system

We all see the flyers, the averts or all receive the sales pitch from the local solar panel installer, the pitch or flyer that lists the endless benefits of having solar panels installed, but what are the real benefits of having that solar system installed.

We all need to do our bit

Firstly let’s discuss the environmental benefits. By having a solar panel system installed on your property you are undoubtedly going to reduce your carbon footprint, your no longer producing energy in a harmful way but in a way that is intended to reduce the world’s carbon footprint. I know this benefit may be less appealing to those who are simply looking for a secure investment but I tire of hearing the financial benefits of something that was ultimately created for both environmental and financial purposes.

The financial gain from a solar panel system

So here it is the part that draws the attention and makes this investment an investment worth making:
1. Firstly by having solar panels installed you may increase the value of your home. And the fact that solar panels reduce energy bills means that if you plan to sell your property in the future your potential buyers will see this as a plus.
2. It’s a tax free, secure investment! That’s correct you will receive money from a feed-in-tariff funded by your government and any money generated from the tariff is 100% tax free.
3. Any energy that you generate and don’t use can be sold to the grid, therefore increasing the revenue from your system.
4. With a solar system you will always make your money back.
5. Your energy bills will be reduced by a substantial amount.

Benefits you may not see

I have listed many of the benefits that you as an individual will gain from or your property will gain from but we must not forget about the benefits that are not tangible. As the demand for solar panels increase more jobs are being created around the world, your individual system means that your country will be moving a step closer to that ultimate goal of co2 reduction and finally we can start to rely less on burning fossil fuels to generate electricity, which is the worlds overall goal.

The Bottom Line

I can only give my personal opinion, but I do believe solar panels are a fantastic investment. There are no other investments quite like a renewable energy investment, however the choice is yours and for what ever reason you do or don’t invest I’ am sure it’s right for you. As I mentioned I don’t think there are many disadvantages to having a solar system installed however there are a few including cost but then again it’s an investment and an investment that will reduce costs in the long run so you can understand why I believe the disadvantages are outweighed by the advantages.
What do you think? Are solar panels the right investments? Will you be investing?

By Michael Jameson, renewable energy enthusiast, with a general interest in solar panels

Please leave your opinions below.

Guest Post: Energy Saving Tips to Cut the Cost of Living

Brenda — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:00:49 +0000

Saving the planet was always a great reason to slash carbon emissions but that guilt trip wasn’t enough to make a sizeable difference to our energy consumption

Statistics show that there has been a steady increase in domestic energy use since the 1970s. The amount used for space heating has risen by 36%, water heating by 12% and lighting and appliances by 131%.

Now that rocketing fuel bills are hitting us where it really hurts, there is a powerful incentive for cutting consumption and the cost of living.

Householders are keen to make their homes more energy efficient and there are some simple ways to achieve this. A little effort can save you a small fortune, make your home more comfortable and, if you install energy-generating equipment, you can even make money.

If this sounds daunting, there is advice and information available from organisations like the Energy Saving Trust. DIY store Wickes has also published a useful visual aid.

The infographic features a room-by-room guide.
Visit http://www.wickes.co.uk/pcat/EnergySavingTips/ for more information.

Insulate and draught-proof

Insulation is one of the best energy-saving measures. Loft insulation is crucial as heat rises and a quarter is lost through the roof. You can save up to £175 a year by insulating this key area.

Check if your home has cavity wall insulation as it reduces heat loss by 30%. The cost is between £100 and £350 depending on the size of your house. Grants and discounts may be available for both loft and cavity wall insulation.

Turn down the temperature

Get a room thermostat fitted. This is linked to the boiler, which will turn the heating off when your required temperature is reached, and back on when it begins to drop. Turning the setting down by one degree saves £55 a year.

Make sure you have thermostatic controls on your radiators as you can then control the heat and turn the settings down or off in rooms not in use.

Waste not, want not

If you have an old boiler, consider replacing it for a new, more efficient condensing boiler. This could save up to £300 a year.

Take a shower. A shower uses 20% less energy than a bath. Only boil as much water as you need. If everyone in the UK did this it would save enough electricity in a year to power our street lights for two months

Fixing a dripping hot water tap saves enough hot water in one week to fill half a bath, while switching off appliances rather than leaving them on standby saves up to 10% electricity. This includes mobile phone chargers and TVs.

Put reflective foil behind your radiators to increase efficiency. More than half of the heat from radiators goes out of the back and is wasted. And use a full load in your washing machine as a half load setting can use 50% more energy.

Also, be aware that A+ rated washing machines, dryers, fridges and freezers use 50% less energy than older white goods.

Be a generator

Photo-voltaic panels generate electricity from the sun and the Government offers a generous feed-in tariff every year for those who install them. They cost from about £10,000 to install but the FiT adds up to around £700-plus a year guaranteed for the next 25 years, although you need to act quickly as there are fears this offer may not be around for long. Also, beware of companies offering free installation in return for your FiT. Do the maths and ask yourself if it is really cost-effective.

The tariff does not apply to solar hot water panels but these provide 60% of your hot water needs and cost about £5,000 to install.

Ground source heat pumps use the Earth’s natural warmth and are perfect for powering underfloor heating and radiators. Pipes holding a mix of water and anti-freeze are buried in deep trenches and warmth is absorbed from the ground passing through a heat exchanger and into a heat pump that converts it for domestic use. The cost of installation is from £9,000 but they are one of the most effective forms of generation.

Green grants and discounts

The Government, energy suppliers and local authorities offer grants and discounts. The Energy Saving Trust is a good source of information on what’s available. Those claiming benefits can visit www.direct.gov.uk for details of Warm Front grants, which will pay for insulation and for central heating in homes that don’t have it.

Guest Post: How the Gadget Craze is Holding Back Eco-Friendly Plans

Brenda — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:00:01 +0000

Over the past decade gadgets have evolved tremendously, with almost everyone possessing a mobile phone, computer and television. It seems that modern day British Citizens can’t live without electronic devices to provide their entertainment and communication. We’ve even gotten to the point where people who don’t have such gadgets are considered “outcasts” to the rest of society. Although this is great news for software developers, it’s quite the opposite for the future of the planet.

Gadgets Galore

Did you know your latest gadget purchase could be contributing to the freak weather conditions that are destroying many people’s homes in developing countries? The very people who are paid pittance to manufacture our gadgets are suffering from terrible droughts or extreme flooding in their countries’ as a result of global warming – which technology is significantly contributing to.

Homeowners are trying their best to improve their energy efficiency by insulating their lofts, investing in solar PV panels and turning their appliances off whilst not in use. Despite these attempts to reduce energy waste we’re still using more energy now than five years ago – even though more energy efficient products are being manufactured. It seems that modern Brits can’t resist the technology temptations and must have the biggest and best models, which consume the most energy.

According to Energy Saving Trust, if the gadget trend continues to flourish targets of reducing carbon electricity emissions by 34% by the year 2020 are unlikely to be met. Among the greediest gadgets in terms of energy consumption there was: Tablet PCs, Wi-Fi Routers, tumble dryers and large flat-screen televisions.

There’s also the controversial debate that developers and designers use planned obsolescence to ensure their products only have a limited life-span. This is allegedly done so that consumers will be pressured into buying the latest models more frequently. Although this can greatly benefit the producers, it’s an incredible waste of energy and resources and consumer money.

What can homeowners do to reduce their excessive energy consumption?

As us Brits simply can’t divorce our marriage to gadgets, we have to find alternative methods to power our much-loved possessions. The majority of modern gadgets are now portable for convenience, this means they run off a battery for the majority of the time and then recharge through the mains. As an alternative to charging them through the mains, solar chargers are an eco-friendly method of powering the devices using renewable energy.

Solar PV panels can also be an alternative to living on the grid, in which electricity is generated by sunlight and is used as a clean alternative for powering the home during the hours of daylight. Homeowners pay an initial installation cost and then get paid to generate electricity for their home for the next 25 years. This is an attractive option for those who agree that energy bills are extortionate.

On a brighter note, the efficiency of new gadgets is increasing yearly as developers strive to make their products more energy efficient. According to a report by Dr. Paula Owen the huge increase in laptop ownership as an alternative to desktop PCs is a positive factor for the environment as they consume around 15% less energy.

In modern society it’s highly unlikely for the use of gadgets to diminish or even reduce. Constant invention of new products and fierce competition are making the most well-known brands millions of pounds. We can just hope that the more gadgets develop the more energy efficient to prevent the devastating effects of global warming.

Written by Stephanie Staszko on behalf of Solar Choice who install Solar PV panels for UK homeowners. You can follow Steph on Twitter @StephStaz for more green posts.

Guest Post: Energy Saving Tips for Your Home

Brenda — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:00:49 +0000

Saving energy is not only a great way to be kind to the environment, but it’s also a way to save money on household bills and put the savings back into your wallet. Here are a few helpful tips on how to save energy while reducing your monthly costs:

Furnace
Keep your furnace clean and properly maintained. Change the filter every 1-2 months as a dirty filter will reduce the airflow which forces the furnace to run longer to heat up your home. Have your furnace adjusted with a yearly maintenance check-up. If a new furnace is needed, consider purchasing an Energy Star. Qualified Energy Star furnaces can save a home an average of $500 annually in natural gas and electrical costs when switching from standard to efficiency.

Natural Gas and Electric Payment Options
Speak to your utility companies about signing up for Equalized Payment Options. This spreads out your natural gas and electrical costs into equal payments on a monthly basis to avoid outrageous bills during peak months.

Heating and Cooling Your Home
Always keep temperatures lower in the winter and raise them in the summer to save on energy. Install programmable timers on your thermostat to decrease temperatures while asleep or away from home. If possible, use room or ceiling fans to keep the air circulating throughout your home. In the winter, keep window coverings open on the sunny side of the house to take advantage of the sun heating your home for free.

Seal and Insulate
Use weather stripping or caulk around leaks, gaps or holes leading outside the home such as windows, outlets, doors, ceiling fixtures, baseboards and plumbing. Make sure your home is fully insulated to protect it from heat that may escape. Keep blinds or drapes closed to keep heat in.

Conserve Water
Conserve water at home by installing low flow showerheads or faucet aerators. When bathing, save energy by opting for a quick shower instead of filling the bathtub up. Make sure the dishwasher and washing machine are full before running. Check to see if you have any leaky faucets in need of repair.

Lighting
Another good way to conserve is to use less energy when lighting up your home. Try replacing light bulbs with energy saving ones. Use timers or dimmers to keep lighting off when not in use. Replace your outdoor lights with motion sensor lighting.

Appliances
Invest in Energy Star appliances to keep utility bills low and save energy. Newer green appliances are designed to run more efficiently. Other ideas include cleaning the dryer’s lint filter regularly and unplugging any unused electrical equipment when not in use. Try switching to a laptop over a desktop computer to save more energy.

My name is Muzammil Bashir and I am currently working with the senior editor of centralscotlandjoinery.co.uk - specialising in case and sash windows.

HomeSun – Save the Planet with Solar Panels!

Jo — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:00:11 +0000

It’s a huge statement “Save the Planet with Solar Panels”, and TGF knows that it might take quite some time to do that, but at least we can all help. Installing Solar Panels in your home is certainly a start and one that will definitely reduce carbon emissions. So come out of the shade and into the sun!

HomeSun is a company committed to protecting the environment, making home renewable energy commonplace whilst at the same time delivering financial savings to home owners within the UK. A Free HomeSun Solar installation could drastically reduce your fuel bills. Find out here how you can save money while energy prices rise.

HomeSun works with the Government backed Feed-in Tariffs to ensure that you have more options for installing solar panels at low or zero cost and cutting electricity bills by a third.

Solar Panel installations are commonplace in countries where the sun shines more consistently than in the UK, but more and more people are jumping on the bandwagon knowing that they are helping in the battle against unsustainable energy resources. Looking into the future it will be homes that aren’t self sufficient that will be in the minority. Generating your own energy will save money, improve the value of your home and cut carbon emissions.

Here at TGF we are always on the lookout for ways to combat unsustainable ways of living. Simply making the effort to switch off your computer monitor, and turning off or unplugging your printer and speakers can make a small difference. Don’t forget to turn off the lights every time you leave the room, something that our parents’ generation did routinely, but which we now often forget to do

We can all do our part and work together to reduce energy use and counteract the negative impact on our planet, and HomeSun is ideally placed to help us do this. Solar Panels are the green option, so contact HomeSun now to find out how they can help you.

Sponsored Post

Guest Post: Does Solar need Sun?

Brenda — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:00:13 +0000

As the days count down to the start of autumn (the autumn equinox occurs at 09.04 on 23 Sept according to Wikipedia!) it left us asking; “Is that it? Was that summer?”

For anyone living in or visiting the UK in the last few weeks, recent figures published by the Met Office will simply have highlighted what we knew only too well – this summer was hugely disappointing.

According to the Met Office, this has been the coolest summer on record since 1993, with the average temperature for the summer so far a paltry 13.6C (57F). Even worse, sunshine in August was about three-quarters of what we’d normally get.

So as far as our tans, our summer wardrobe and our sunny outlook, are concerned 2011 was a bit of a washout. And you’d imagine the same was true for the increasingly large number forward-thinking Brits installing solar panels to generate clean energy from renewable sources. No sun means no energy generated by your panels, right

Wrong. In actual fact solar PV panels perform perfectly well, even when subjected to the rather grey, sunless skies we associate with the (depressingly) typical British summer. And here’s how:

1 – It’s not all about the Sun…

Although the electrical output of solar panels can be reduced by cloud cover, the panels are designed to collect ambient light and produce electricity on cloudy days.

2 – Cool is cool…

Solar cells absorb light not heat, so the panels actually work just fine in colder climates. In fact, many solar panels are more efficient at cooler temperatures because lower temperatures actually increase the conductivity of the metals involved in the energy generation process.

3 – A new direction…

Just because a home doesn’t face directly to the south (an optimal direction for sun exposure), doesn’t mean solar panels won’t be effective. Recent studies suggest that in the right circumstances, panels can face up to 90 degrees east or west of a south facing position without a significant effect on performance.

So there you go. Its nice to know that there are some things that not even a British summer can spoil.

Author bio – Barak Goldstein

Barak is the CEO from Sunny Britain, the first company to apply the group-buying model made popular by GroupOn to the solar energy market in the UK to offer discounts of up to 50% solar panels and installation.

Barak is an expert from the power generation industry with broad international experience having created a successful portfolio of solar projects – 200MW installed or financed ($800M) in Germany, Italy, Israel and Spain.

Before launching Sunny Britain, Barak was founder and managing partner at Clean Capital and Investment Manager at S&B, part of the Arison Group where he established the first solar fund aimed at institutional investors in the MENA region.

Guest Post: Common Myths about Solar Power

Brenda — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 20:20:32 +0000

Solar power is an increasingly popular choice for homeowners who want to cut their energy costs while making a positive contribution to the environment by reducing their carbon footprint. However, there are still many misconceptions that can cause people to be concerned about making the switch. Here are a few of the most common solar energy ‘myths’.

Myth One – It isn’t sunny enough in the UK for Solar Panels to work effectively

Solar panels absorb both visible and invisible infrared light, so even if it’s cloudy they can produce enough energy to provide you with hot water. They also come with special coatings which help to retain heat, so they function well in colder weather too.

Myth Two – My water won’t be as warm with solar energy as it is with traditional heating.

Your hot water temperatures should remain exactly the same when you switch to solar. In sunny weather the fluid in the panel can reach 200 oC, which is more than enough to heat your water to normal thermostat settings. When the weather is less impressive, your boiler will kick in to pick up the difference, still saving you money on a 100% boiler-reliant heating system.

Myth Three – Installing solar panels is too expensive

Depending on the number of panels your home requires, a solar water heating system typically costs £5,000-£8,000. However, grants are available that can help you to fund them. Visit www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/grants-for-your-home to find out more.

Myth Four – Solar heating systems don’t justify the cost

The average family spends £250-£400 a year on hot water, and energy prices are rising all the time – almost doubling between 1999 and 2010. Once installed, a solar thermal heating system will typically provide you with 50 to 70% of your hot water for free. They can also add significant value to your home, and improve your home’s Energy Performance Certificate rating, which is required when selling a property. On the whole – a good investment!

Author:

Jan is a freelance journalist who specialises in home improvements and double glazing. Her guides to buying new windows and doors have appeared in numerous interior design publications.

Image Credit: K. Copic

Guest Post: Geothermal Heat Pumps: The Environmentally-Friendly, Energy Efficient Solution

Brenda — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:00:15 +0000

At no fault of your own, you may have immediately presumed that everyone, everywhere should have a heat pump because they are the most eco-friendly and environmentally sound heating system. Although this isn’t necessarily the case for all heat pumps, it’s definitely worth highlighting the benefits associated with the relevant kind – the geothermal heat pump.

Before taking a further look into this type of HVAC system, let’s first address the basics.

What is a heat pump? A heat pump is a unique heating system that is capable of both heating and cooling designated environments. In hot climates, it performs similar to an electric-powered air conditioner, collecting heat from indoors, expelling it and then replacing it with cool air. When the indoor climate is cold, it does the opposite, transferring the cold air away from the area requiring heat. Air source heat pumps are normally used in environments that experience moderate climates, where air temperature differences are fully taken advantage of so that respective properties are cooled and heated. Heat pumps with a stamp of approval from Energy Star have a greater seasonal efficiency rating (SEER) and heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) than standard models. This means 8 percent more efficiency than new standard models and 20 percent more efficiency than older furnace models.

With the current increase in ‘green’ initiatives and government incentives, rewarding organisations who actively seek to lower their carbon emissions, it is no wonder that geothermal heat pumps are receiving more attention in many areas of the world. Undoubtedly, they are highly energy efficient as well as naturally environmentally-friendly. This is largely due to the way they transfer heat directly from and towards the ground in different climates. For example, during the winter they transfer hot air upwards from beneath the earth’s surface, while in the summer the cold air is drawn back into the ground to provide cooling. The actual process of heat transfer occurs by a refrigerant loop, situated in the core part of the pump, being pushed through a vapour-compression cycle. Some experts have stated that, individually, geothermal heat pumps can provide up to three units of heat for every single unit required for them to operate. In Lehman’s terms, this means that they can achieve efficiency levels of up to 300 percent. Now that’s energy efficiency!

Taking this into consideration, it clearly makes sense that these heating systems be incorporated in blueprints for new property developments. For existing properties, its application can be better perceived as a major renovation, and would be an ideal investment for already planned building remodeling projects with aims to tackle environmental concerns. Geothermal heating systems provide heating, air-conditioning, hot water, and dehumidification, but with up to 80 percent less annual operating costs than most other heating options. It’s no surprise then that average high efficiency furnace prices for geothermal systems are two to three times more expensive than alternative options, and on average three to five times more costly than alternative low- to mid-efficiency heating systems.

There are two very good reasons for the premium asking price. The first is (and I am intentionally reiterating) that geothermal heat pumps significantly reduce annual operating costs by up to 80 percent, which in itself is a great energy and money savings feat. This means that even though its initial cost of acquisition is somewhat more than alternative systems, the geothermal heating option still remains a valuable budget choice in many cases. The second reason, which can never be overstated, is that geothermal energy is extremely environmentally-friendly. Whereas natural gas, oil and wood-burning systems release carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and other toxic pollutants into the atmosphere, geothermal heat pumps do not. Similarly, geothermal systems don’t produce ash and soot, exempting them from wastage issues. In as much as gas is the cleaner element when burnt than oil and wood it’s still presented as a highly explosive and air-polluting substance. Geothermal systems, on the other hand, are typically closed and non-dependent on toxin-releasing fuels, making them much, much better for ourselves, plants, animals and our beloved environment.

So next time you are planning to buy a new property, develop a new building or start a new business, think geothermal! It’s a clean, economical solution that’s extremely good for the environment. This means you’ll definitely be doing your bit to sustain the environment and no-one can tell you otherwise. And that makes it worthwhile all by itself.