6 Actionable Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Many of us can probably agree that we could do a bit more to save energy (and I don’t mean taking the lift instead of the stairs).
We’re being made increasingly aware of different ways we can reduce our carbon footprint and save energy – and in the long run, save money, too. So, in honour of World Environment Day, 5th June 2017, here’s a quick reminder of a few changes you can make to keep your home running as Energy Efficient as possible.
Indoors
Check the boiler
If you’ve had your boiler for a fair few years now, there’s a possibility it’s not running as efficiently as it could. Keep it running smoothly and at optimum efficiency by treating it to an annual check by a registered engineer.
If you’re replacing your boiler to something more efficient, consider which kind would be the best for your household. For example, if you have a large family and the hot water is pretty much constantly in use, you may be better off with a regular boiler. Combi-boilers, on the other hand, are generally more Energy Efficient for smaller households where the hot water isn’t in use as much.
Monitor your usage
Smart meters are by far the easiest way to keep track of how much electricity and gas you’re using – as well as how much it’s costing you – all in real time. In other words, you don’t need to wait for your bill to arrive and wonder why you may have used more energy in one month than you did another. These smart meters are also linked up with your supplier, so there’s no need to submit regular meter readings (something I always forget about).
That’s not all... you’re also able to download an app which links to your smart meter, meaning you can control your home’s heating remotely! This is perfect for those occasions when you’ve accidentally left the house with the heating on ‘constant’ (something I’m often guilty of).
Alternatively, you can monitor your heating with a standard thermostat. While you may not be able to control it with your phone while you’re out, you can at least ensure your home is kept at a comfortable temperature.
Water-wise, you can fit a water-efficient shower head. Because, while a shower uses a lot less water than a bath, one of these can help reduce your usage even more.
Change your lightbulbs
After natural sunlight, LED spotlights and CFLs (energy-saving bulbs) are probably the most Energy Efficient lights you can use in your home. And you won’t be compromising on light quality either, as they’re certainly bright enough, and they’re long-lasting, too.
Outdoors
Solar panels
Solar panels on the roof of your home are an excellent way to drastically reduce (and even eliminate) your energy bills. And there are two different kinds: Solar PV which converts the sun’s energy into electricity, and solar thermal, which as its name suggests, allows you to heat your water and cut down on your heating bills.
If you choose to add solar panels for heating purposes, it’s important to check that your boiler (if it’s a combi- ) is compatible.
Check with your local authority, too, as you may even be entitled to a grant in order to have them installed!
Water butts
This is self-explanatory, I know, but recycling rainwater is the easiest way to save money on watering your lawn and your plants!
Upgrade your windows
Last but not least, it wouldn’t be a Window Company article if we didn’t include the benefits of upgrading your windows and doors now, would it?
If you pick the right windows, you can vastly reduce the loss of your home’s heat, as well as reducing the risk of condensation and offering a better degree of sound insulation, too (bonus if you’re on a busy road).
The Window Company only supply energy-rated windows, so you know you’re buying responsibly. We can also assist and advise on the best kinds of windows for your home. Can’t say fairer than that!
The same also goes for a good front door. Our composite doors are not only stylish; they’re also highly Energy Efficient, durable and retain their weather resistance (perfect for living in the north west).
So even if it’s just one change you make, that change helps towards looking after our environment.
See a previous Window Company blog post for more money-saving tips on your utilities. For a wealth of fully-comprehensive information on energy efficiency in the home, visit http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/home-energy-efficiency.