I don’t know what you are paying for UK petrol, but in High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire the lowest is currently around £133.9 per litre at the Shell garage at the top of Desborough Avenue. Over the years, it has been consistently the least expensive for the longest period of time. Sometimes Adsa or Tesco petrol is cheaper, but often just for a short period.

Anyhow an “Australian” person, who is apparently the source of the following “advice” has worked (we are told) in the petroleum industry for 31 years to date. Here is their advice to help us save money by getting our money’s worth for every litre of fuel:

1) Only buy or fill up your car, van or lorry early in the morning when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the petrol, when it gets warmer petrol expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening….your litre is not exactly a litre. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the petrol, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an important role. A one degree rise in temperature is supposedly a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.

2) When you’re filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode. If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3) stages: low, middle, and high. You should be pumping on low mode, thereby minimizing the vapours that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapour return.

When pumping on the fast rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapour. Those vapours are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you’re getting less worth for your money.

3) One of the most important tips is to ONLY fill up when your petrol tank is HALF FULL. The reason for this is the more Petrol you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space. Petrol evaporates faster than you can imagine. Petrol storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the petrol and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation. Unlike service stations, some refineries ensure that every vehicle they fill up is temperature compensated so that every litre is actually the exact amount.

4) If there is a petrol tanker pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy petrol, DO NOT fill up; most likely the petrol is being stirred up as the petrol is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom.
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In a web based article on femalefirst.co.uk published on 9th June 2011 entitled “Green Improvements Will Future Proof Homes” it explains that the energy saving website thinkinsulation.com “hopes that making ‘green’ improvements to households now will not only help home owners avoid increased fuel bills due to the energy price hikes, but also avoid a possible clamp down on inefficient homes in the future, as a result of the increased accountability that will be created as a result of the Government’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions to 50% of 1990 levels.”

The article goes on to state that “The UK’s housing stock is responsible for a quarter of the nation’s total carbon emissions. As one of the biggest sources of carbon pollution our homes will need significant energy efficiency improvements if this ambitious target is to be achieved.”

“Although green home improvements may seem daunting and cost-prohibitive, homeowners need only take small steps to dramatically improve the energy efficiency rating of their property and secure huge savings on their energy bills.These include a range of simple solutions from switching to energy saving light bulbs, installing loft insulation or fitting double glazing.”

To maximise return on your green investment thinkinsulation.com recommends taking the following simple measures.

1. Insulate your loft: About 25% of heat in an un-insulated house escapes through the roof. Loft insulation is cheap to buy and easy to install and the job can be completed yourself in a day. It has financial benefits too because insulating your loft can save you around £145 a year on your energy bills. Opt for loft insulation with strong eco credentials and great thermal performance.

2. Insulate your walls: Cavity wall insulation – If your house was built after the 1920s it is likely to have cavity walls. If these aren’t insulated, you can arrange for a professional to complete the work in a day. Cavity wall insulation pays for itself in around two years, and it will typically save around 15 per cent – or £118 a year – on your home’s fuel bills.

A specialist should always be sought to complete this type of work – ensure that you choose an installer that is Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA) qualified. Don’t forget to ask for home assessment to assess suitability of your property before any work begins.

Solid wall insulation – Older houses built before 1920 often have solid walls and are more expensive to insulate, but also cost more to heat. Around seven million solid wall properties in the UK are un-insulated but with potential fuel bill savings solid wall insulation is definitely worth considering.

If your external walls need work anyway, then it could be an ideal time to have external wall insulation fitted. Alternatively, if your home is soon to be undergoing interior refurbishment then internal wall insulation may be more suitable.

3. Fit double glazing: Old single glazed windows can often be a major source of heat loss. Double glazed windows will not only keep the heat in but they will reduce noise, improving your level of comfort. Make sure the windows you choose carry a BFRC label which indicates a good energy efficiency rating.

4. Draught proof gaps: If you have poorly sealed windows and doors you may be losing a significant amount of heat through the gaps. Draught proofing is a simple and inexpensive DIY measure and by keeping warm air indoors you’ll need less energy to heat your home and can save money on your fuel bills.
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Replacement double glazing is not inexpensive, so take your time getting it right

Consequently, be suspicious of double glazing selling tactics that claim their company can deliver in only a few weeks, as why are they not busy and able to offer delivery quicker than other firms quoting a couple of months, who clearly have a fuller order book? A larger order book could well mean that some of the customers in already in their queues had chosen to wait to get the firm, quality of product and workmanship they want, rather than rush to try and save money with a quick fit operation desperate for the work.

It is all about consumer choice, but the process of producing really high quality, properly fitted energy efficient high quality bespoke replacement double glazing does take time. The usual procedure after a customer signs up, is that the sales consultant’s measurements, product specifications and costings are then double checked. Next a professional surveyor arranges a new appointment at a time acceptable to the client to take accurate exact measurements of each aperture. From this survey and assessment of a particular property (assuming there are no nasty surprises!), the raw materials and appropriate glass is ordered. Upon receipt of these (which can take several weeks if the product required is not in standard colours or finish), the work is scheduled for production in the factory, enabling the bespoke windows and doors to be fabricated, then checked by quality control, before an installation date is even set. Specialist window and door fitters are then assigned to carry out the installation on a mutually agreed date with the customer.

Be wary of any double glazing installer looking to cut corners in order to be able to deliver a lower cost product, as they will still be looking to make a profit, so at which point in the process will they do this? i.e Where exactly will they make their margin, on the product and/or on the installation? If there is any compromise it could be a) on the survey, b) on the quality of the raw materials, c) on the glass specification, d) during fabrication, e) on quality control, f) during fitting or g) on any after sales service or “guarantee” There is nearly always a reason why one firm is less and one is more, so do remember the faithful old saying that “you get what you pay for”.

The most crucial mistake to avoid is paying over a substantial deposit full stop, particularly if your only reason for doing so is because that particular firm’s representative “promised” you a quicker delivery than all the other firms. If you don’t then get the quick delivery you had expected, you are stuck as they have your non-refundable deposit if they have ordered raw materials, so in effect you cannot cancel and switch to the firms who quoted more honest and genuine delivery times.

Double glazing companies promising a quick delivery, surely cannot have many orders (why?), but if they do have lots of orders, they physically can’t do them all as priority, and if they have taken say a 25% deposit off you, they have your money, so frankly you are probably going to just have to wait until they do eventually carry out the fitting all being well.

Hazlemere Window Company don’t take any deposit from home owners for supply and fit replacement windows and/or doors, and quote realistic and genuinely achievable delivery times. It is really about choosing the best long term outcome, and value for money, so householders have to decide if it is worth waiting a few extra weeks to be certain of ending up with a high quality product, professional installation and a robust ten year fully comprehensive guarantee, or taking the risk on a firm insisting on a large deposit but “guaranteeing” a faster delivery.

Property owners can reduce the risks involved by doing thorough research into the actual products each company is offering, looking into the detailed specification, thermal performance and independent certification of each product under consideration. Since 1st October 2010, genuine energy efficient double glazing is no longer cheap, so it is worth taking one’s time and carrying out sufficient investigation into both your chosen product and the double glazing supplier and installer you prefer, to ensure you get a decent return on the investment you intend to make in your property.

There are hundreds of really decent local independent UK double glazing manufacturers, suppliers and installers around, so don’t be rushed into signing on the dotted line, by some national sales campaign, or a high pressure sales rep, who only gets any commission if they sign you up on the night, so wait until the sales representative has gone, so you can select the right product and right supplier for your property.
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1. Nothing in life is “free”
Nothing is free, so whatever the inducement be it marketing scrappage schemes, “free” installation, no VAT (which of course legally has to be paid by the company you buy from to Her Majesty’s Government if the firm is VAT registered), they all might sound good but they all have to be paid for, so remember these will be built into the price of the windows or the “extras”. It is therefore important to compare like for like specifications, as well as the entire offering.

2. Always try and negotiate
Whether it is on price, or on specification, it is always worth trying to negotiate to get the best product your budget can stretch to, it is always worth trying to explore the options to ensure you are comfortable with the investment decision you come to. If you don’t ask, you don’t get. You can always buy in phases to get what you want rather than try over-stretch your finances.

3. Buying Trade windows and doors can backfire
If you are prepared to take a risk, there can be a real saving from buying from trade counters and getting a builder to install your windows and/or doors. However, if anything does go wrong, it is likely to be with the installation, so if you prefer peace of mind then “supply only” is not the way to go, as you should get a far better and longer guarantee on both the product and installation, if you have your windows and/or doors supplied and fitted by a manufacturer.

4. Be sensible about potential energy savings
You don’t have to fork out on the highest specification windows to get a decent return on your investment, energy savings wise, which is why it is worth considering “C” energy rated windows. According to Pilkington Glass the money you will save on energy, by buying “A” rated windows rather than “C” rated, is around £600 over 20 years, depending on the size and type of property you have. It is likely your initial outlay to buy “A” rather than “C” rated windows will be greater than £600 anyway, so unless you are happy paying the extra to reduce carbon emmissons (as whilst “C” and “B” are highly thermally efficient, “A” rated windows is obviously the best in that regard), then “C” is currently your better financial option.

5. Conservatories or Orangeries
If you are prepared to do your own foundations, or know a good trustworthy local builder it may be cheaper to either a) do the base yourself, or b) get a builder who will offer you a guarantee to do the foundations, concrete floor/screed and any dwarf brick walls. If you decide to go down this route, ensure the base and walls are built exactly to the conservatory or orangery manufacturer’s drawings and specifications, as it will end up costing you a fortunate (and a lot of hassle) if they are not, so again weigh up if you are prepared to take the risk or pay a premium to deal with a well established double glazing supplier and installer who offer you the peace of mind you will get by ensuring you end up with a high quality long lasting product and a decent guarantee that actually means something.

Choosing the right replacement double glazing partner is not always about price

7. Getting it right first time round
Changing your windows is costly, potentially slightly disruptive and can be time consuming if anything goes wrong, so it is important to get the design and style right first time to avoid changing it in a few years or having problems selling your home if you opt for a frame colour or look that does not fit in with the surrounding properties and your road. If you are staying in the property for some time it make be worth investing in energy efficient windows or acoustic glass if you live near to a noisy road, railway, school or airport.

8. Remember to bargain
If you do not ask the right questions in the right way, you might not save as much as you could. Check that any “package deal” has not just ended or is just about to come up, so you buy at the optimum price possible.

9. Flexibility on timings can save you money
If you can wait for new windows, doors, conservatory or even an orangery, the best time to buy is usually around the beginning of December, as this is historically the quietest time sales wise for most UK double glazing companies.

10. Steer clear of high pressure sales tactics
National double glazing companies have been known to build in enormous discounts (and margins!) into their prices to help them pay their commission only representatives AND their sales manager, plus help them afford to advertise nationally. It is likely the representative you first see will be under “orders” to get you to sign before leaving your home. If you do manage to avoid signing on the dotted line, expect a call from their sales manager, who may well offer you part of the representative’s commission to “encourage” you to order. If you turn this down, you may then get a call from the manager’s boss cutting out his commission as well as the reps commission in order to secure your business.

In my personal opinion it is better that you to look for an established local firm with a good name who a) do not use sub-contractors, b) do not build in discounts. Bear in mind that their first price will often be their genuine bottom line price, with anything else you can negotiate, coming out of their smaller margins or their sales representatives bonuses.

Whilst there is always “a deal” to be done, it does not always have to be on price, it can be on specification or delivery etc, especially if you have a preferred supplier in mind, as you will have selected them for a genuine reason and probably not just the price!
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UPVC Cladding, Fascias & Soffits

Rotting cladding or fascias and soffits or rusting cast iron steel downpipes can really let a property down both aesthetically and in value terms. Rotten woodwork can also cause structural damage leading to woodworm and could encourage vermin. If this is the case it makes good economic sense, whether you intend to stay in your home or move, to replace old rotting roofline with high quality, weather resistant, long-lasting UPVC roofline products that need neither painting nor repairing, no matter what the weather.

The good thing about the many high quality ranges of UPVC roofline products that are available in the UK market today is that once the work is done, you never have to give it a second thought. Good quality UPVC fascias, soffits, bargeboards, cladding, tudor board, gutters or downpipes do not warp, crack, flake or peel, so if you do fit roofline products, make sure you have really decent ones installed so you never have to do it ever again. Check that any white, coloured or foiled roofline products you are considering having fitted are guaranteed against discolouration, so you can invest knowing the installation will actually not only protect your property long term, but actually improve it, both in terms of looks and value.

By fitting high quality PVCu roofline cladding, fascias and soffits along with plastic guttering and downpipes, rather than “cheap” alternatives, a property owner demonstrates that they genuinely care about the look of their property, adding value to their home, whilst creating kerb appeal for any potential future purchasers.

As with all home improvement, the choice is yours, but lets face it, whether you are planning to never move or to sell up, replacing your old timber roofline or cladding with maintenance free PVC-U gives your property a deserved face lift and rejuvenates its overall look. To help you achieve this, company’s like Hazlemere Windows offer a vast range of colours and styles of tried and tested UPVC roofware that come with decent installation guarantees.

Finally, what ever you do don’t paper over the cracks. Too often I have come across customers having capping boards fitted over existing timber fascias rather than having the old timber removed and completely replaced. This may seem the more cost effective option when presented to you in the short term, but over the long run it really is not a good idea. The rotten wood hasn’t gone anywhere, it is still there sealed in, deteriorating even more by the year. I am sure you don’t want your property to become a “home” for unwanted insects and pests, as eventually the nails will come loose due to rotted and infested wood, leaving your fascias exposed and unsecured, not to mention that on some cases you can invalidate a guarantee if you don’t completely remove exiting timber, which enables the PVC-U roofline to do a long lasting job and perform to the high standards it is designed to achieve.
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Now whilst the article primarily is focused on properties in Northern France, the principles involved in reducing heat loss and saving energy, apply equally to homes in the UK. For example Alison Cannet states that “a house that is not correctly insulated loses a significant amount of heat through walls, windows, floor, roof and chimneys. Even a well-heated home can feel cold in some places if the walls and windows are not insulated, because they lose heat to the outside and feel cold on the inside. Putting in proper insulation will help keep up the interior temperature, meaning that costly heat is not wasted. As a bonus, it can also improve your acoustic insulation so that neighbourhood noises become less of a problem.”

By taking these rudimentary steps to cut heat loss, we can dramatically increase improve our energy efficiency, cutting our carbon footprint at the same time. Alison Cannet in the article goes on to explain that “windows are often the weak point when it comes to older buildings and improving their insulation and cutting heating bills.”

To be fair she does look at all the options, stating that “the classic solution is taking out the whole window and replacing it with double-glazing, involving two sheets of glass with air or gas sandwiched between. A cheaper version is secondary glazing, where you fix on a second layer of glass or plastic on to an existing window frame.” “Fitting secondary glazing typically involves attaching an aluminium frame around the existing window, holding glass panes that can be slid or tilted to open them.”

The important thing is to insulate your home, especially with climate change seemingly causing warmer summers and colder, longer winters. I’ve personally decided enough is enough, and even though my entire house has aluminium double glazing fitted by Hazlemere Windows in 1994, I am getting quotes to fit deeper loft insulation and cavity wall insulation, as I need to reduce our heating bills by reducing the amount of energy we are losing both through the walls and loft cavities, even though the loft space does have some insulation, but clearly not enough for the longer colder winters that sadly appear to be on the way!
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Apparently the “Green Deal” will allow householders to take out loans from their local councils to improve the energy efficiency of their homes such as installing energy saving double glazing or solar panels. It seems the idea behind the deal means that home owners and landlords do not have to pay upfront costs themselves.

Whilst Chris Huhne, the Energy and Climate change Secretary appears to be claiming that the scheme will create over 100,000 jobs over the next five years and that the loans will be paid back through savings on fuel bills, I do have serious doubts whether the savings made on fuel bills will be able to repay both the capital and any interest within 5 years? For example if the property concerned has no floor, cavity wall or loft insulation, heat, energy and money will still be lost, however efficient the replacement double glazing or solar panels are!

The plan seems to suggest that landlords will be forced to take up the new improvements for their tenants though legislation, but what is to stop them recovering any outlay they are “forced” to expend by recovering this in increased rent or charges?

Whilst Chris Huhne may say: “At a time of increasing gas prices, energy efficiency is a no-brainer.” and “It’s also a massive economic and job opportunity, which could help Britain’s economy turn the corner.” – any property improvements still need to be funded, and will all local councils a) buy into the scheme, and b) be able to afford it with all the cut backs they are having to make?

My concern is that although this scheme seems a jolly good idea, the devil could well be in the detail, so as with any home improvement or energy saving scheme, it is always worth thoroughly checking it out before making any commitment.

If going green would save you money on energy bills and add value to your home, I am sure more of us would do it if we could afford the capital investment required to achieve the energy savings, plus ideally we would all like to reduce our carbon footprint and go green to help the planet and our children’s children. However, I am sure that like me you would like to see the evidence that demands a verdict, as it is prudent to do sufficient research before being convinced that spending one’s hard owned taxed sterling, will result in a decent return.

The article quotes property expert Ed Mead as stating that “double glazing is practically standard these days. Properties without it suffer on the housing market. There are no excuses for those with sash windows either: new models offer better-insulated edges and double glass panels.” But Mead offers a word of caution: “Secondary glazing is a very different thing to double glazing. Double glazing is a minimum standard these days. Secondary glazing – those additional windows installed on the inside of the original window – will actually knock value off your property. Prospective buyers instantly think: “What’s the problem, is it noisy outside?””

Good insulation, does not stop with windows and doors, as loft insulation and cavity wall insulation both also make big differences to a property’s energy rating, often determining what level of Energy Performance Certificate a surveyor will issue a prospective seller. It is logical that if you were a buyer choosing between two properties (which are a toss up as to which you should choose), but one has a higher EPC that the other, it is likely you would not choose the one with the lower EPC.

So it is true to say that “Going green could save you money on energy bills and add value to your home.” And whilst I agree with Ed Mead that secondary glazing is very much secondary, if it is all you can have fitted because your property is a listed building, or in a conservation area, or area of outstanding natural beauty, it is far better to have secondary glazing and have a warm cosy environment, than have an inefficient expensive to heat home. Yes, double, and even triple glazing aestheically looks far nicer than secondary glazing, but you can still see through secondary glazing, and if it is all you can have………..far better to have it, than live through cold winters without it, especially if you do happen to live in an area with high noise pollution, like near Heathrow Airport or next to a busy main road, plus prefer more peace and quiet all year round!

In a helpful article on aboutproperty.co.uk entitled “How to offset the cost of double glazing with energy savings” it states that “the Energy Saving Trust estimates that around one-half of a property’s heat loss stems from inadequate insulation in lofts and walls. This means that insulation and double glazing are essential home improvements if you are seriously looking at lowering your energy bills.

Double glazing can reduce the amount of heat lost through windows by half – so in addition to saving money on electricity and gas, you’ll probably also feel warmer during the cold months!

Energy efficient windows work by creating an insulating barrier in the gap between two sheets of glass. However, depending on the style of window and the materials used – as well as factors such as how much sunlight passes through the glass or how airtight the windows are – different products can vary in effectiveness.

You’ll want to make sure you shop around for the best windows for your green home – it may be worth having a look at the window energy rating scheme supplied by some manufacturers before you make your decision. This works in a similar way to the ratings you may see on domestic appliances such as fridges and washing machines – an A-rating is the highest and means your windows will be the most efficient.

There are particular features you will want to look out for when choosing your new windows. The most important of these is glass type. You will want to opt for windows with low emissivity – sometimes labelled as Low-E – glass, as this can help to reduce the amount of heat that can get out.

It is also important to consider which gases are used in the gap between the two sheets of glass – substances such as krypton, xenon and argon are among the most effective. You will also want to consider the material your pane spacers are made from – as “warm edge” spacers contain very little metal, they are often a good choice.”

The excerpt from the aboutproperty.co.uk article goes on to stress the importance of ensuring that property owners address any condensation issues that may pre-exist exist within any room, for as the article explains “You’ll also want to check whether you need to incorporate trickle vents in some of your replacement windows to make up for lost ventilation. Double glazed windows are more airtight than the original frame, so you’ll want to take controlled ventilation into consideration to avoid condensation build-up.”

Condensation is not caused by replacement windows, whatever they are made of it is caused by the lack of any or sufficient ventilation. For as the aboutpoperty.co.uk article states “There are plenty of advantages to having well-insulated windows. In addition to making your home more eco-friendly, you’ll also feel more comfortable, with fewer draughts. Insulation against unwanted outdoor noise is another benefit – and you’re also likely to notice a reduced build-up of condensation in cold weather.”

In conclusion the article summarizes that “the biggest advantage to having energy efficient windows is the amount of money you can save on your electricity and gas bills. Experts estimate that you can save up to £130 each year on utility costs by replacing every single-glazed window in a home with double glazing, as well as some 650kg of carbon dioxide emissions.

Whether you’re after a warmer property, lower bills or both, you’re sure to find that the savings you gain from installing energy efficient windows offset the cost of the home improvement – and you’re certain to enjoy your green home for many years to come!”

The article reports comments made by Charles Bean, the Deputy Governor of the Bank of England. advising savers to spend some of their capital rather than try to live off the pitifully low interest rates offered to UK savers. Mr Bean stated on Channel 4 News that “Savers shouldn’t necessarily expect to be able to live just off their income in times when interest rates are low” and that “It may make sense for them to eat into their savings a bit.” (Source – Daily Mail Newspaper 29/9/10)

With inflation running around 4.7%, taxpayers are losing out, as according the Sylvia Morris’s article “Basic rate taxpayers need a now impossible 5.87% before tax on their money to maintain its value, while 40% taxpayers need 7.83%. “The Bank of England should be controlling inflation, not damaging prudent savers.” says Ros Altmann, Director General of Saga.

There seems to be a clear intent on the Bank of England’s behalf to get savers to spend to help kick start the recovery. One way to spend capital, is to invest in property as a long term investment, or carry out home improvements that will offer a return on investment, or at least help facilitate a sale at a decent price when the time comes to move. Whether it is redecorating, or upgrading your kitchen or bathroom in neutral colours, carefully thought through home improvements done to a set budget can bring decent long term rewards, whilst giving you a more comfortable and enjoyable home until such time as you decide to sell. If you do plan on spending some of your savings (as you are fed up not getting any sort of return on them at present), my advice would be to spend them on something that will make you a decent profit in the future.

For example, a tastefully done conservatory adds value to any home, whilst provides additional high quality living space. If your property is not double glazed, then installing maintenance free energy rated windows and doors is certainly worth seriously considering, as this will guarantee a much better Energy Performance Certificate, whilst cutting your heating bills, as well as making the property more aesthetically pleasing.

The Daily Mail article concludes that “after 18 months of rock-bottom base rates, official figures show home buyers have gained £26.5 billion from low mortgage rates while savers have lost out to the tune of £19.8 billlion.” The big concern is that inflation is still not under control, and banks and building societies have actually been increasing their mortgage interest rates and charges, whilst giving no incentive at all to savers to keep their money tied up.