Fuel poverty has become a growing concern for millions of UK homeowners, but according to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) there was a drop in the numbers living in fuel poverty between 2010 and 2009.
The DECC claim that there were around 4.75 million households living in fuel poverty in 2010, down on the 5.5 million who were faced with a similar situation in 2010. They put this drop down to a rise in incomes and better energy efficiency in the home.
However, although they estimate that figures for 2011 will more than likely indicate stabilisation, it is widely expected that projections for 2012 will show a rise in fuel poverty figures once prices rises at the end of 2011 are taken …
Summer is almost upon us and if you are a homeowner then now is the perfect time to be thinking about all the essential home improvements your property needs this season. Finances will be tight in many households but that does not mean that you cannot do something to revive your home.
If aluminium conservatories and aluminium windows are beyond your financial means then why not instead look into getting aluminium French doors as they can add a real touch of class to your home.
As the name suggests, French doors originate from France towards the end of the renaissance era, but still retain huge popularity in both the UK and across the continent. Placed at the rear of a home they look simply exquisite …
If any further proof were needed of the impact energy bills have had on homeowners over the past 10 years then you need look no further than recent research carried out by Santander. The banking specialists have found that the average household energy bill has risen by 71% in a decade. This is remarkably double the speed at which inflation has increased. Broken down, over the past 10 years, the cost of gas has tripled and the price of electricity doubled.
Banking director at Santander, Carlos Palacios, says: “Times are tough for a lot of people at the moment and increasing household bills are one of the biggest causes of squeezed consumer finances. People have already been forced to make a number of adjustments to …
When homeowners approach Hazlemere for high-quality home improvements most of them usually associate a brand new conservatory, window or door with UPVC. What many are unaware of is the ability of aluminium to do just as good a job at making their property look really secure and stylish.
Aluminium conservatories, aluminium windows and aluminium doors from Hazlemere also have a staying power that few products can match or better. This is due to the fact that aluminium is one of the most durable materials on the market and able to fight off, rot, rust, moisture and the powerful natural rays of the sun. It is also extremely environmentally-friendly.

One of the other great things about aluminium-based products supplied, fitted and installed by the team …
The rising cost of energy in the UK over the past few years has left thousands of less well-off homes desperately struggling to afford the cost of their heating bills.
Because of this, a scheme called the Community Energy Saving Programme was introduced in 2009 by the government which requires our major energy companies to offer energy efficiency measures for free or at a very low cost to households in deprived communities.
However, it has been reported that the Big Six energy firms look set to fail to meet their obligations and have asked that the deadline is put back. Shadow energy minister Caroline Flint has stated that this is simply unacceptable:

“Energy companies are failing to keep their side of the deal and help …
Despite aspirations to own a home, several thousand people in the UK remain unable to afford to buy a property, and those who do now face a mountain of bills to own, run and maintain one. The Halifax have calculated that the costs associated with owning, running and maintaining a home now amount to almost £10,000 a year, the highest level since 2008.
This will come as a surprise to many when you consider that mortgage repayments are down to one of their lowest levels in years. However, one of the key contributors to this hike in household costs can be put down to the rise in gas and electricity bills as they are responsible for nearly 90 per cent of the total increase over …
Just a few short years ago, when UK homeowners were considering replacing their existing windows and doors the only options they would contemplate would be UPVC or traditional timber frames but times have changed and so have buyer tastes. Aluminium frames are now hugely popular amongst property owners up and down the land and it is not difficult to see why as they offer a host of benefits:
Shapes and sizes for every type of home
The installation of aluminium windows and aluminium doors can completely transform the entire appearance of a home so you need to make sure that you get a window or door that sits easily. Luckily enough aluminium comes in a range of different shapes and sizes so finding an equally well-sized …
When the weather is cold and the evenings are dark many of us don’t want to spend much time outdoors, preferring to cuddle up in front of the TV when we get in from work. However as the clocks are set to go forward next weekend, the evenings will be much lighter allowing us to enjoy our gardens once again.
Preparing the ground for fresh new plants and shrubs, investing in some modern garden furniture and planning a few BBQs with friends and family are all part of the fun when it comes to the summertime but some of us maybe planning for something a little more luxurious.
Aluminium conservatories are perfect for homeowners who want to add a bit of luxury in to their …
The worst-case scenario for a homeowner who puts their home on the market is for it to remain unsold months or even years down the line, particularly if you already have your eye on another home. You need to make sure your home is as appealing as possible to buyers so that they are inclined to make an offer rather than give it short shrift.
Here are just a few ideas of how you can make your home irresistible:
Garden
Most people aspire to live in a home with a beautifully arranged garden. The last thing anyone wants to see is an over-grown lawn which over time has slowly been neglected. Get a mower and strimmer and give your garden a good tidying up. Don’t …
When people think about conservatories and orangeries they usually associate them with the summertime, long evenings and warm weather. For many people conservatories just don’t seem suitable in the winter but this couldn’t be further from the truth. A modern, contemporary aluminium conservatory from Hazlemere is built to last and they are perfect for any time of the year.
No matter how cold the weather gets you will quickly find that a Hazlemere conservatory becomes a quiet space where you can sit back and relax after a hard day at work. Even if there is snow on the ground and the wind is howling around your property, your new aluminium conservatory will give you the perfect viewing space to look out on your garden and …