How Energy Efficient Is Your Home? Here Is What You Need to Check
With the increase in global warming, light pollution and energy waste it’s important for us all do do our part in helping to reduce our carbon footprint. This article looks at a few simple changes you can make around your home to increase your energy efficiency and reduce costs.
Making your home energy efficient is one of those things that people don’t really think about, but in order to reduce your carbon footprint and keep your bills low it’s something that you should look into. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money either as the UK Government offers a range of grants to help you make your home more energy efficient. Warma UK also have a comprehensive guide on how homeowners in the UK can qualify for a boiler grant under the governments ECO scheme which can improve the energy efficiency of your home
If you want to make the most out of your home life, or simply want to increase its value, it might be time to look at its energy rating. There are different companies offering an EPC check for home buyers and sellers. You can get the rating done professionally, and get information on how to improve the energy efficiency of your house.
Below you will find some areas of focus for your next home improvement, so you can make your house cheaper to run and warmer to stay in.
Windows And Doors
“New double glazing” by Mark Crawley is licensed under CC BY 2.0
The first thing you need to check is the efficiency of your windows and doors. If you feel the wind coming through on cold winter nights, it is time to get them checked. Get in touch with professional window fitters to find out more about the problem.
If you don’t have double glazing yet, you should invest in a new set of doors and windows. If your glass is steamed up, you might need to get the seals and glass replaced, instead of the frame and windows as well.
Cavity Walls
If your home was built after the 1940s, chances are that you have cavities in the walls. This reduces the heating efficiency, and results in extreme heat loss. You can get a cavity wall insulation around your home for just a few hundred pounds, and cut your energy bills in the winter at the same time. Get a professional to give you advice on which method would be the most efficient to keep the warmth in your home.
Loft
Another area where you can lose heat and waste energy is the loft. If it is only a thin plaster board that separates your living area from your loft, it is time to get the loft insulated. The contractors will place a thick foam on the floor of the loft, and this will insulate your home from above. This investment can save you a lot of money over the coming years.
Underlay And Insulation
“Kitchen floor” by gemteck1 is licensed under CC BY 2.0
If you have carpets or laminate floor installed downstairs, you should check what is underneath. If you bought your house from a DIY enthusiast, chances are they did the job themselves. If there is no underlay below your flooring level, you will always feel cold. Make sure that next time you update your floors you take care of heat insulation. If your downstairs area is generally always colder than upstairs by around 5 degrees, you might want to consider underfloor heating.
Light Fittings, Bulbs And Home Appliances
The cheapest way of reducing your energy bills is to look at the energy ratings of your light bulbs, as well as your home appliances. Whenever you have a chance, replace these to a more efficient version to save money and save the planet at the same time. LEDs can provide a much better light, come with reduced running costs and can last longer than standard bulbs – if you’re not sure whether swapping to LEDs is right for you then check out this guide which will tell you everything you need to know about LED Lights.
Making your home greener should not cost an arm and a leg. Check the problem areas and address them one at a time, so you can stay warm and keep your energy bills under control for years to come.