Now has never been a better time to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Although energy costs have gone down somewhat since last year, they’re still very high, and it’s a good idea to do what you can to save money.
Aside from that, we’re also dealing with the looming threat of climate change caused by our dependence on fossil fuels. Although the UK is shifting towards greener sources of energy, improving efficiency helps prevent wasted energy and can shrink your family’s carbon footprint.
You might think that making your home more energy efficient would be expensive, but it’s actually never been easier. Most modern homes are already pretty well equipped with electrical components and equipment such as a floor box and efficient wiring. These make our home electrical systems much safer and easier to use. However, you can still make a difference by making these changes.
Probably one of the biggest causes of energy inefficiency in our homes is a lack of insulation. While newer homes are often built with insulation as standard, many older or cheaper designs simply don’t have the right level of insulation.
Put simply, insulation helps to prevent heat from being transmitted. In the summer, this can help keep your house cool, while in the winter, it prevents heat from escaping, keeping you and your family warm. This means you spend less money and fuel trying to regulate the temperature of your home.
One of the easiest ways to insulate your property is by using expanding foam in the wall cavities and within your attic. While this does cost money, it will definitely save you in the long run by reducing your energy bill significantly.
Another form of insulation, and one that shouldn’t be overlooked, is double or triple glazing. This is great for reducing the amount of sound you hear from outside while also ensuring that less heat is lost through your windows. It is a lot more expensive to install, but it can make a difference over many years.
While it may not seem like much, there are a lot of small changes you can make that will have a big impact. For example, switching devices off instead of leaving them on standby. Every night, millions of people leave the standby light on. This only succeeds in wasting valuable energy. We recommend checking your devices and turning them off each night before going to bed.
Another small change that makes a big difference is replacing your light bulbs. Most modern bulbs are pretty efficient at using energy. Still, you can get even better with LED lights. These use far less energy, making them better for your wallet and the environment.
Don’t overlook the smart meter as an energy efficiency tool, either. Many energy companies now provide these as standard, and they’re a great way to save costs on your bill. Not only will you potentially save money, but you can get a better idea of your usage and how to reduce it.
This one definitely isn’t for everyone, as getting solar panels fitted can be a big initial investment to make. However, they can really improve the energy efficiency of your home, supplying you with electricity and also heating your water tank when the sun is shining.
The issue with solar panels in the UK is that the sun doesn’t show up as frequently as it does in some parts of the world. However, some places in the country certainly see it more than others, and the panels don’t necessarily need direct sunlight to function.
Before deciding on solar panels, be sure to do your research and check it makes sense for you. Typically, installations can cost between £2,500 and £8,000. You could expect around a 5% return on your investment each year based on the savings you make from reduced energy costs.
