Last Updated on November 9, 2022 by Jason Nguyen
As a result of the UK cost of living crisis, now more than ever, people are looking for ways to reduce their household bills. The good news is that by making some changes to your home, you can lower your energy consumption and pay less on your annual bills. This article will explain some of the ways you can make your home more energy efficient.
Why is Energy Efficiency Important?
Having an energy-efficient home is important for the environment as it reduces your energy consumption and your impact on the planet.
It can also save you money by reducing the amount of energy you use and ensuring that the energy you do use doesn’t go to waste. With many households worrying about how they’ll pay their bills this winter, energy efficiency for homeowners is now more important than ever.
How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Fortunately, there are a few ways you can improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Add Insulation
Did you know that without insulation, you can lose a third of your home’s heat through your walls? The type of wall insulation you choose will depend on the age of your home but there are several different types to suit your needs, including cavity wall insulation and internal or external wall insulation. You may also want to consider roof and loft insulation and floor insulation.
Improve Doors & Windows
Making sure that your doors are well-fitting and that the seals aren’t broken, allowing heat to escape. If you have single glazing, upgrading your windows to double or even triple glazing can make your home more energy efficient and also reduce traffic and outdoor noise as a bonus.
If you can’t afford double glazing or can’t undertake renovations because you’re renting your home, for example, then secondary glazing could be an alternative option.
Draught Proof
Some ventilation is necessary to prevent your home from becoming damp or having issues with condensation, however, that doesn’t mean you should put up with persistent draughts that allow cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape.
There are many products available that enable you to seal draughts from keyholes and letterboxes as well as around windows and external or internal doors.
Swap Your Lightbulbs
When it comes to improving your home’s energy efficiency, people often focus on keeping their home warm and forget about lighting but swapping out old lightbulbs and replacing them with LED alternatives can reduce your electricity consumption on lighting by up to 90% and the bulbs themselves will also last longer, meaning you won’t need to pay out to replace them as often.
Invest in a New Heating System
When you’re trying to save money, investing in a brand-new heating system may be the last thing on your mind but if your home is already well-insulated and you’re looking for ways to make long-term savings, then considering a new heating system might be the next step.
Upgrading your boiler to a more energy-efficient model or making the switch to a low-carbon system such as a ground source heat pump or air source heat pump requires an upfront investment but can save you money on your energy bills in the long run.