Ways to enhance your home’s energy efficiency, House DIY interior, Property storage addition advice
Ways to Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
18 January 2024
Sustainability and energy efficiency are two very important things in today’s world. Whilst a growing number of people are choosing to try and live more sustainably, energy efficiency is definitely at the forefront of most homeowners’ minds. And by being more energy efficient, you can naturally contribute to sustainability.
Home Energy Efficiency
With rising utility bills looming over us all, any way to reduce energy usage and save on costs is sure to be of interest to many.
In this article, we’re going to help you find a few ways to start enhancing your homes’ energy efficiency. From simple cost-effective changes to more substantial investments, you’ll quickly notice the difference and the reduced bills. Here are some strategies to try out…
First Steps: Conduct a Home Energy Audit
Before getting into specific improvements, you can start identifying problem areas by conducting an in depth home energy audit. Doing this can help you discover habits or issues that are causing you to lose energy. You can then prioritise the areas where you need to make improvements.
You may choose to do this yourself, or get a professional in to conduct the audit. A professional will know what to look for, so they can perform an inspection quickly and accurately.
Upgrade Your Windows
Your windows are a very important factor when it comes to saving or losing energy. Older, single pane windows can allow heat to escape through them. If you have double glazing in most rooms, but still have a few single glazed windows, you can notice the difference in heating efficiency almost immediately.
Rooms with single pane or rooms that are not in use should be shut off so that heat can’t escape through them. Consider upgrading these old windows to maximise energy efficiency in the entirety of your property.
Upgrading your windows is one of the best investments you can do for your home, you’ll get a return on that investment via the savings you make on energy costs. You’ll also be a lot more comfortable year round, as quality double glazing that is in top condition will prevent heat loss in winter and heat gain in the summer. No more relying on heaters or fans! It’ll also have the additional bonus of reducing noise from outside.
On the subject of your windows, strategic use of curtains can also help. Use thick curtains during winter that trap heat in, remember to open them during the day so that the sun can shine through and give you a boost of heat. Then close those curtains when it gets dark to keep some of that heat in.
Seal Gaps and Improve Insulation
If you already have double glazed or more modern windows, inspect them to make sure there aren’t any problems. If you can feel cold draughts coming through or notice cracks and damage, you may need double glazing glass replacement.
You may also be able to solve these issues by filling in the gaps with weatherstripping, caulk, or by using draught excluders. Don’t forget to inspect your exterior doors and walls too. Sealing gaps is simple and cost effective, but can noticeably improve your comfort. It can also give you the added benefit of maintaining a pest free home, as bugs and even small rodents will have less entry points.
You can also improve insulation between rooms and hallways by using draught excluder cushions on interior doors to prevent heat escaping underneath. Things like mats and rugs can also make a difference. Don’t forget to inspect your loft to check that heat isn’t escaping from there.
Embrace Smart Home Tech
For an extra layer of control, integrate some smart home technology with your energy efficiency strategy. Things like smart plugs and smart lightbulbs will allow you to save electricity by keeping in the habit of turning things off remotely or putting them on a timer.
A smart thermostat can optimise your heating system based on your daily routine and ensure that your energy isn’t wasted when it’s not needed.
Additional Tips
Regular maintenance of your heating system is essential to get the most out of it, so don’t forget to keep everything clean and dust free. You should get your boiler or water heater serviced once a year.
If you want to take energy conservation to the next level, solar panels might be worth looking into for a long term investment. But this can depend on whether energy bills continue to rise, or if they eventually fall.
Final Thoughts
Enhancing your home’s energy can take a bit of effort, but it pays off – literally. With a combination of small adjustments and significant investments, you could soon enjoy being more comfortable, both physically and financially.
Comments on this guide to Ways to Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency article are welcome.
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