Green Homes Network: 24 Ardwall Road

House type: semi-detached house, 1911

Energy efficiency and renewable measures: Solar water heating, Solid wall insulation, loft insulation, wood burning stove, A-rated appliances, Energy saving lighting, recycling, composting. Bedrooms: 3 Occupants: 2

Key features: A semi-detached home built in 1911 with solar water heating system, loft insulation and a wood burning stove.

For retired couple Brian and Marjorie York switching to a renewable heating system was all part of their plan to become more green-minded, “we wanted to do our bit for the environment, and reduce our energy use” explains Brian. The motivation to switch to a renewable system was also financial, “we wanted to be less reliant on the mains gas supply. The energy companies keep increasing their prices, and we wanted to try everything we could to reduce our bills.”

The Green Homes Network, a new Scottish Government initiative managed by the Energy Saving Trust, was launched last year. The network provides individuals with the unique opportunity to visit a local home that has a renewables system installed. On Saturday 29 September homes across Dumfriesshire will open their doors to visitors.

Visitors can find out first-hand how different renewables systems run in real homes and hear about actual costs and savings.

Full details of all homes are available at greenhomesopenday.org.uk or call your local Energy Saving Scotland advice centre on 0800 512 012 to find out more.

www.greenhomesopenday.org.uk