OLDER people are being urged to become more energy-savvy as part of a Warmth Warrior campaign launched by off grid fuel supplier, AvantiGas.

With the harshest winter for over a decade reported to be on its way, the AvantiGas ‘Warmth Warriors’ are armed with newly-launched Energy Efficiency Guides offering advice and tips for being smart about energy usage, and keeping warm this winter.

The company is despatching its Warmth Warrior team throughout the district to visit, support and inform residents and those living off the mains gas supply on managing their energy more efficiently.

Anthony Bagshaw, AvantiGas domestic sales representative for Ilkley, said the idea was to help people in places such as Ilkley, Haworth, Denholme and Keighley to understand how they can make the most of their energy - how to use less of it and make the energy they do need work harder for them.

“There are some really simple steps that everyone can take throughout each room in the house to be more energy efficient. From using the correct thickness of insulation in the loft to simply closing curtains to reduce heat escaping through windows, everyone can make small changes which make a big difference.”

He added: “With recent flood threats from the River Wharfe, we’re also urging those off mains gas to ensure vital equipment is not damaged by surface water and ice which can affect supply to the house. As some residents are repeatedly under threat of flooding, it is essential that those who are Liquid Petrolium Gas (LPG) users take every precaution possible to counter the adverse weather conditions we’re currently experiencing.”

Every year the national LPG supplier makes 53,000 fuel deliveries from 15 service centres and two inland gas terminals, with 4,457 of those deliveries made across Yorkshire.

“Our overall aim over the coming months is to inform, reassure and advise rural and semi-rural homeowners on their energy options and our new Energy Efficiency Guide is the first step in a programme of energy efficiency initiatives we will be launching over the next year,” said Anthony.

“As one of the leading suppliers of LPG to remote locations and businesses in the UK, smarter energy usage is the ultimate goal for the AvantiGas Warmth Warriors and we’re looking forward to supporting and sustaining Ilkley residents this winter.”

Avanti Gas Warmth Warriors tips for reigning in energy usage this winter:

* Use your head - switch your regular shower head for a water-saving one and you’ll use around 40per cent less water and energy.

* Little change, big difference - turn down your thermostat by just 1degree C and you could knock up to 10per cent off your heating bills.

* Keep a lid on it - cooking without lids on your pans uses three times as much energy, so keep a lid on them.

* Give radiators a boost - put silver foil behind your radiator to reflect heat back into your rooms.

* Light bulb moment - swap to low energy bulbs which use 80per cent less electricity than traditional ones and last longer too.

* Switch off, don’t standby - turn off your appliances instead of leaving them on standby and save around £90 a year.

* Keep the draughts out - check your doors and windows for draughts and fit draught-proof strips if you need to.

* Stick with the A-team - look for A-rated appliances or ones with the Energy Saving Trust Recommended label.

* Wrap up your loft - stop heat escaping through your roof with insulation which is at least 270mm thick.

* Boilers need love too - keep your boiler and heating in tip-top condition.

* A free energy efficiency pack can also be downloaded from avantigas.com. For more more information email enquiries@avantigas.com or call 0808 208 0000.