Responding to the soaring cost of energy and the rising number of households set to be plunged into fuel poverty, the CIPHE has issued a statement highlighting the Institute’s concerns and the part that installers can play in helping customers improve the efficiency of their heating systems.
“We are entering into an energy disaster, with the impact felt by households, businesses and organisations across the UK,” says CEO Kevin Wellman. “Last October it would have been unfathomable that half of UK households would be facing fuel poverty this autumn. From middle-income families to pensioners, there’s a real fear of what lies ahead.”
The CIPHE points out that currently more people die each year from cold homes than from alcohol, Parkinson’s Disease or traffic accidents, while figures show ill health due to fuel poverty costs the NHS £3.6 million every day.
“There is no doubt that fuel poverty has a detrimental effect on people’s physical health. Living in a cold home increases the risk of serious illness and even death, particularly among the vulnerable,” says Kevin. “Sadly, the impact on mental health and wellbeing is less understood.
The CIPHE also holds grave concerns around the health and safety implications of poorly maintained gas appliances. Households unable to pay bills are unlikely to afford yearly servicing and gas safety checks. In the case of a breakdown, consumers may be tempted to go for a low quote from an unregistered installer, or try to fix boilers themselves.
“We cannot emphasise more the vital role installers play in helping their customers get the best efficiencies out of their heating and plumbing systems,” adds Kevin. “From ensuring boiler settings aid efficient use, to upgrading controls, or fixing dripping taps, saving water and energy is all in a day’s work. Remember that education costs nothing, and a five minute chat about saving energy and water efficiency, could help save hundreds on bills.”
You can find energy and water saving tips for your clients on the CIPHE website at www.ciphe.org.uk/utility-bills
