Tips for making your house more energy efficient
Recent years have seen households wanting to do their bit to help combat climate change but the recent energy price hike headlines have got many more people thinking about how to create an energy efficient home. And with even bigger increases predicted on the back of recent world events, lowering bills has become a priority for UK households.
We’ve put together some ways to help keep costs down throughout this year and beyond.
Insulation
It’s important for any home to have good quality insulation. Homes over 100 years old are less likely to have this and there are approximately 19 million homes in the UK that could benefit from better insulation. Heat can also be lost through the floor so it’s worth having a professional to check your floor space for lack of insulation.
An uninsulated roof space can lead to a loss of a quarter of a home’s heat so choosing to insulate this space could lead to a big saving. It’s also important to check the roof is in good condition. If it does need replacing, choosing a lead-free alternative for roofing will help contribute to a cleaner environment.
Keep doors and windows closed
If it’s cold outside, make sure to close external doors and windows to prevent unwanted heat loss. You can also turn off radiators in rooms that you don’t use often and keep their doors shut. This is a simple, free but effective way to save on energy in your home.
New windows and doors
Old windows and doors can lose a lot of heat so they could be worth replacing. Choose high quality double or triple glazing and a composite door for maximum efficiency and durability. These will also help block out external noise.
New boiler
Not only is an old boiler a lot less energy efficient, it can end up costing more money in repairs and spare. Whilst the initial layout can be costly, upgrading to a newer boiler will help save on your heating bills and give you peace of mind that you won’t need to repeatedly call out a service engineer during the colder months.
If you’re moving home, it’s a good idea to check out the EPC rating on any potential new house to make sure it’s as efficient as it can be and to prevent you being faced with even higher bills. A higher rating means lower bills and many EPCs come with recommendations on how to make the home more energy efficient.
