In a time where energy prices are going nowhere but up. and the cost of living keeps skyrocketing, it’s no surprise that homeowners are looking for more and better ways to be energy efficient. Ignoring the reduction in carbon footprint (which you shouldn’t), it’s also a great way to save money. There are a lot of different ways you can achieve energy efficiency, some big and some small, which means there is always at least one way you can save. In this article, we’re going to share with you 8 different ways you can make your home more energy efficient – see if you could try any!
Use Ground Warmth
In the last few years there has been a significant leap in home heating technology -specifically when it comes to heat pumps. These amazing systems harness the constant temperature of the earth and use it to heat your home. Unlike traditional heating systems that burn fuel, heat pumps draw the heat from deep underground, transferring it into your system to heat your home. They are one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly heating options on the market, but because installation involves burying pipes in your garden, many people are reluctant to install them. Instead, they are usually found on new build and custom-built houses.
Upgrade Your Insulation
Having proper insulation really is the key to an energy-efficient home. In the UK most houses lose warmth through the walls, roof and windows – all of which can be prevented with the right insulation. By investing in high-quality loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and double or even triple-glazed windows, you can significantly cut down on heat loss in your home. This means you don’t need to turn the heating on as often, which leads to a lower heating bill overall. It’s a win-win!
Smart Thermostats
Smart tech is here to stay, and for the most part its influence is positive. We might not be the most tech-savvy people in the world, but one area we can see the benefits is in heating systems. Smart thermostats mean you can more accurately set and control the temperature of your home, so you waste less energy. They can also learn your schedule and habits, adjusting the heating to be on only when it’s needed. You can even control them from your smartphone! It really is magic.
Switch to LED
If you haven’t switched to LED bulbs yet – first where on earth have you been living for the last 10 years? Secondly, make the switch as soon as possible, because it’s the easiest, cheapest and most effective way to make your home more energy-efficient. LED bulbs last longer than incandescent ones, and use a fraction of the energy. So if you want to see a quick improvement, replace your lightbulbs.
Choose Energy Efficient Appliances
When the time comes to replace your appliances, choose new ones with high energy- efficiency ratings. All electronic appliances have them, and they can tell you a lot about how much your appliance will cost to run over time. Look for the Energy Saving Trust Recommended label too – this is a sign that the appliance meets the highest energy efficiency ratings. They might be a bit more expensive up-front, but they pay for themselves in cheaper energy bills.
Use Renewable Energy
If you can, consider investing in renewable energy options for your home. Think solar panels, heat pumps, even wind turbines. There are a lot of schemes and incentives run by the government to encourage renewable installation, which can go a long way to offsetting the installation cost. Depending on how much energy you use, you could significantly reduce your bills (and reliance on the grid) as well as earn on income throng feed- in tariffs, where you sell energy back to the grid.
Reduce Waste Water
Water efficiency is the most overlooked in the energy-efficiency conversation. But by reducing water waste and installing water efficiency measures, you can significantly reduce your water use. A few ways you could do this include installing low-flow shower heads, dual-flush toilets and even water butts for garden use can all make a difference.
Maintain Your Home
Regular maintenance is a bit of an unsung hero in general, but especially when it comes to energy. Each of your systems (mainly heating) as well as your home can all benefit from regular servicing and maintenance. When they are in good shape they can run more efficiently, which means a much cheaper house to run.
At DNA Brickwork and Builders, we specialise in building energy-efficient homes from scratch, as well as installing renewable energy technologies into older properties. If you like the sound of any of these energy saving measures, just get in touch with our team today to find out more about them.
