Britons 'DIY shy' when it comes to efficiency

UK residents want to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, but are reluctant to take on do-it-yourself projects, according to a new study by the Energy Saving Trust (EST).

Of 2,200 people polled, 53 per cent said they were not sure they had the skills needed to make practical, energy-saving improvements to their homes.

Overcoming those doubts could help Britons save £200 million in energy costs and and reduce their carbon emissions by 1.2 million tonnes, according to the EST. The organisation is urging the “DIY-shy” to give efficiency improvements a try over this holiday weekend.

“This bank holiday weekend, we urge householders to do a free Home Energy Check at the Energy Saving Trust’s website … to find out which simple things — from draught-proofing to bleeding the radiators — they could do,” said Philip Sellwood, chief executive of the EST. “I am sure they will be surprised about the savings they’re missing out on.”