MARKET-leading residential energy efficiency provider eaga is urging Strabane households to act on climate change. One effective way of doing this is to ensure that your home is properly insulated.

Responding to a "Green Barometer" survey published for the first time this week by the Energy Saving Trust (EST), eaga said simple measures such as home insulation were often far easier and economical to install than people thought – and can still cut carbon emissions significantly.

According to the survey's findings, while 80% of people are well aware of the looming climate crisis many are doing little or nothing about it.

The EST said it was disappointing that only 40% of people questioned were still not making even the smallest of lifestyle changes to help tackle climate change.

Pat McAuley, eaga director said, "We share the concerns of this survey and encourage individuals to take action to contribute to combating global warming and at the same time save money on energy bills.

DIFFERENCE

"People understand they can make a difference, we just need to let them know how easy it is. Loft insulation, for example, can reduce a typical home's annual carbon emissions by one and half tonnes and save up to £250 off the fuel bill. Similarly, cavity wall insulation can reduce heating costs for a typical home by more than a third and carbon emissions by up to a tonne."

Through the Warm Homes, managed by eaga and funded by the Department for Social Development, grants of up to £850 are available to install insulation measures in eligible households including loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and draught proofing. These measures once installed will cut the household's energy bills and help in the fight against global warming. The scheme is available to privately rented or owner-occupied households on qualifying benefits.

To find out if you qualify for a Warm Homes grant contact eaga on free phone on 0800 181 667 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday) or visit www.eaga.co.uk