Clearview South Feb 2013 - Issue 135 | Page 64

ENERGYEFFICIENCY GUIDANCE TO CONSUMERS As part of the initiative, the OFT also has produced the following guidance for consumers buying energy efficiency products (as outlined on p62): • Take your time in making a decision: If you are promised a ‘special discount’ or ‘time limited’ offer don’t be tempted to sign up straightaway. Shop around with different businesses to make sure you get a good deal. Remember: you can ask a salesperson to leave your home at any time • Double check the facts – Check the product is suitable for your home, whether you are eligible for any grants towards the cost of installation, and the basis of any claims about potential energy savings or benefits. Only agree to go ahead if you’re entirely satisfied. • Know what you are signing – Check whether you are signing a contract or just agreeing to a survey or a quote. Give yourself enough time to read all the paperwork, and ask questions if you are unclear about anything. Don’t sign if you are unsure about doing so. • Know your cancellation rights – Where you buy on your doorstep or in your home and you spend more than £35, you usually have seven calendar days to change your mind and cancel, and can get back any money you have already paid, including a deposit – the ‘cooling off’ period. The cooling off period starts on the day you are given your written cancellation notice by the salesperson. Think carefully before you agree to any work starting during the cooling off period – you can still cancel but may have to pay a reasonable amount. • Know your rights if things go wrong - Make sure you know what you can do if things go wrong. Contact Citizens Advice for information and advice on your legal rights. THE LAW ‘fail to comply with the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 risk civil or criminal enforcement action’ Companies which fail to comply with the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 risk civil or criminal enforcement action by Trading Standards Services or the OFT. Enforcement bodies can apply to a court for an enforcement order, breach of which can result in prison sentences of up to two years and/or an unlimited fine. Instead of seeking an order, enforcement bodies may instead accept an undertaking from a trader not to engage in or repeat the conduct the enforcement bodies consider constitutes an infringement. NEW SURVEY SHOWS INCREASED INTEREST IN DOUBLE GLAZING More than half of UK homeowners are interested in installing double glazing, according to new research from the Energy Saving Trust – with that number predicted to rise under the Green Deal. The survey of more