We’ve all become more conscious of our energy use over the last few years; whether you’re concerned about the rising bills or alarmed by the overwhelming effect we’re having on our planet, switching to renewable energy should be at the top of your priority list.

At Fords South West, an independent, long established business, operating throughout the South West for more than 100 years, they’re offering an alternative to this energy consumption. They know how important renewable energy is for our environment, and for you.

Focusing on supporting our climate as we move into a more eco conscious world, Fords offers different installations of green energy to produce electricity in their customer's homes. We speak with Mark Wakely of Fords South West to find out just what they can do for you.

(Image: Fords South West)

So, first thing’s first, what exactly is renewable energy?

“Renewable energy refers to usable energy generated from natural sources that are constantly replenished. These sources emit little to no greenhouse gases, making them environmentally friendly.

Common ways to power your home with renewable energy include:

  1. Solar Power: Installing solar photovoltaic panels on your roof. These panels convert sunlight into electricity, which can be used to warm your home and power devices. You can even store excess power in batteries for use after sunset.
  2. Solar Heating: Use solar panels to heat water for your home. These panels can be mounted on your roof or a free-standing frame. They capture sunlight and warm up water stored in a cylinder, providing hot water and heating throughout the year.
  3. Air Source Heat Pumps: These systems extract heat from the outside air (similar to how a fridge works in reverse) to provide heating and hot water. They work efficiently even in temperatures as low as -15°C1.
  4. Air conditioning, cool and heat

Choosing renewable energy not only reduces your carbon footprint but can also lower your energy bills. It’s a win-win for both your wallet and the environment!”

Making the switch can seem like a lot of effort, so you’d be forgiven for wondering if it’s truly worth it. To that, Mark would have to disagree.

“Switching to renewable energy not only benefits the environment but also promotes health, economic growth, and energy security. Making things ‘green’ or environmentally friendly is not only worth the effort but also crucial for our planet’s well-being.”

(Image: Fords South West)

If you’re ready to take the plunge and transform your home into a green oasis (in every sense of the word), you’ll need a company you can trust to make those changes for you.

Established in 1799, Fords South West are ready and waiting to take your call and help you make a change. An award-winning company, 2018 saw them win the Trade Service Award for their apprenticeship academy, showing just how much they invest in their employees; over 50 people are currently on staff, many of whom live within 30 minutes from Sidmouth.

As Mark explains,

“If you’re going to invest in the future, make sure you pick a company that has been well established and takes pride in everything they do, from design to installation, but also the after care. Our project managers are not salesmen, they are qualified engineers with extensive experience. They utilize their hands-on knowledge to design, plan, and manage projects effectively. We are heavily invested in our employees’ qualifications and are always upskilling our workforce to ensure they are equipped with the latest knowledge and expertise.”

With zero VAT and even some grants available, now is the time start your green journey.

For more information, head over to the website or call their friendly team for a free, no obligation estimate at 01395 201400.