Usage of the Heating and Cooling Knowhow Solutions (HACKS) tool has more than doubled since the introduction of the Energy Price Guarantee in October 2021.
An online calculator which reviews a home’s energy usage and provides tailored recommendations on the most cost effective and energy efficient product solutions, has been used by more than 20,000 UK consumers.
Launched in April 2021, the Heating and Cooling Knowhow Solutions (HACKS) calculator empowers consumers who have old, inefficient heating and cooling devices by providing information on more efficient alternatives.
Recent data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has shown that 25% of people in the UK are considering making changes to their home to improve energy efficiency*.
The HACKS tool provides advice on the energy savings possible through installing low carbon heating systems, such as heat pumps and insulation, showing how much a household could save annually on their energy bills and carbon emissions.
Once a person has entered their information into the calculator, they are recommended heating and cooling products from the Topten UK website. This includes information on a product’s energy efficiency ratings, the selection criteria used to determine their efficiency and a product guide that outlines the suitability of installation and use in the home.
The calculator has been built by the HACKS project, a consortium of seventeen partners across fifteen countries, with financial support of the European Horizon 2020 programme. Energy Saving Trust is the UK partner for the HACKS project.
Emilie Carmichael, Head of International at Energy Saving Trust, said: “We’re pleased that the HACKS calculator has provided expert advice to thousands of households across the UK, at a time when we know many people are looking more for solutions to improve the efficiency and reduce the running costs of their home.
“Having the right energy set up at home is key to ensuring energy usage is both efficient and cost effective”.
You can access the HACKS online calculator here. The calculator will be live until 31 August 2023.
* Data taken from ONS Survey: Attitudes towards improving energy efficiency of homes by housing tenure, Great Britain: 11 May to 5 June 2022