A husband and wife from Finchampstead who slashed their energy bill more than 70 percent have released their secret to help reduce energy levels this winter.

Eric Twigg moved into the 100-year-old home in 2010 which had extensions dating back to the 1950’s and early 1960’s.

Over the past 10 years, the family have undertaken a series of home improvements which have severely affected their impact on the environment reducing their own emissions exponentially.

The initial improvements that Eric made to his home resulted in a 50 percent reduction in his energy bills during the course of a year.

Since 2010, they has installed:

  •  Solar panels 
  • Air source heat pumps
  • Additional double glazing 
  • Cavity wall insulation 
  • Increasing roof insulation to 11 inches (280mm)
  • Low wattage bulbs (replacing 60 watt bulbs)

Following the pandemic, energy prices have steadily begun to rise last year. Noticing a difference in their energy levels, Eric and his wife decided to take further action to keep costs low.

By reducing central heating by 0.5 degrees, installing black out lining to curtains and keeping the warmth in by installing curtains across doors has reduced his energy and oil bills by a further 15 percent.

This totals an incredible reduction in energy use of more than 70 percent.

Eric said: "In the mid-2000s I realised that as fossil fuels began to run out, the cost of energy would soar and as I was approaching retirement, we had to control our costs. 

"So, in 2010, while I was still working, we invested in the necessary technology. Around the same time I became aware of climate change and realised that as well as saving money we would significantly reduce our carbon dioxide emissions – a classic win-win.

"While some of the technologies we used are reducing in cost, they are still expensive for a lot of people. So, to have the maximum impact on home emissions and costs, homeowners should focus on improving the insulation in their home."

Inspired by their efforts, Cllr Sarah Kerr has released an initiative based on their results to help reduce greenhouse gases and energy bills across Wokingham which has been released in a WBC Climate Emergency Newsletter.

According to the Eric, in just a few days people have found the Newsletter incredible positive and have already started to investigate energy saving measures such as improved insulation and ASHPs (Air Source Heat Pumps).