5 Ways To Improve The Energy Efficiency In Your Home

Many homeowners across the country worry about paying energy bills, especially during the winter. A survey conducted by the Home Heat Helpline confirmed that one in three adults has this concern. There are some simple measures you can take to reduce energy bills. These steps may seem simple, but as soon as you adopt some changes, the bigger your savings will be in the long run. Let’s find out the top five ways for improving the energy efficiency of your home.

Focus on insulation

It is a known fact that if your home is not well-insulated, heat will escape easily through windows, walls, and even through the roof! If your home does not come with good insulation from the start, it will be troublesome for you in the long run. You can opt to have added insulation in your window frames and doors by choosing materials such as uPVC. This is a more energy-efficient choice than wood. Some uPVC frames are fabricated to aesthetically look like wood so you will not be sacrificing the style and look of your home. You can also have double or triple-paned windows that offer an extra layer of insulation so that heat does not escape quickly.

Choose energy-efficient light fixtures

Do not underestimate the savings you will get by switching to energy-efficient light bulbs. These days, you can find that most homes and other establishments use LED lighting to save money. The upside to using LED lighting is that it has better quality than traditional incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs. With LED lights, your home will use 75% less electricity. You should also make sure that everyone in your household understands the importance of saving energy by turning off all lights when not in use.

Change your boiler

If your home is still using an old, inefficient boiler you could be wasting £200 on your energy bills. In the long run, your savings could add up by making a one-time investment on a new boiler. There are some excellent choices out there. Choose an A-rated boiler which means that it has the highest energy-efficiency rating. If you upgrade your boiler, you are also helping reduce carbon emissions. Gas-heated homes account for 60% of all carbon dioxide released to the environment.

Think about changing your flooring

It was found that another 15% of heat inside the household is lost through the floors. This part of the home should be given equal importance along with insulation. Changing the flooring for your entire household can be quite expensive. You can start by changing smaller sections in rooms where the most heat is required. You can also add thick carpets or rugs to prevent heat from escaping. Given the variety of flooring types available, consider the option of choosing types of floors that are less likely to get cold during the winter.

Think about investing in solar panels

This might seem like a stretch for most homeowners, but solar power is considered to be one of the most efficient sources of energy. Converting your entire house into solar energy will require a large investment. Instead, you can start with small solar panels that can generate enough electricity to power some essential functions such as warming water in your tanks. There are also some companies that would pay you for surplus or excess solar energy produced. This can be an excellent way to save money while also doing your part in saving the environment.

There are many other ways by which a household can save energy costs. Aside from the tips mentioned above, you can also do other things such as changing your energy tariff and looking for the cheapest deal while still maintaining good quality service. Other little things that help include changing to a water-saving showerhead.

Wasteful use of energy is not helping the environment. Keeping your home comfortable and warm during winter should not cost you more than you can afford. Assess your home and find where changes should be made. Once you have identified areas that contribute to energy waste, you should do your part in making the necessary changes as soon as possible. You will enjoy more savings the sooner you take action.