With climate change taking centre stage in global discussions, making energy-efficient changes to our homes has never been more crucial. Not only do these modifications significantly reduce our carbon footprint, but they also offer substantial savings on electricity bills.
Let’s take a look at a few practical and innovative steps which homeowners can take to transform their abodes into eco-friendly havens.
Why are people becoming more energy-efficient?
The surge in interest towards energy efficiency in the UK can be attributed to a blend of financial and environmental reasons. Firstly, the escalating costs of utilities, coupled with the general rise in living expenses, have prompted many to seek ways to curtail their monthly outgoings. Energy-efficient homes can significantly reduce electricity and heating bills, offering tangible financial relief.
Simultaneously, there’s a growing societal awareness about the detrimental effects of wasteful energy consumption on the environment. As climate change repercussions become more apparent, British households are driven to adopt sustainable practices in their home improvement, aiming to protect our planet for future generations.
Top 4 energy efficient home upgrades you can make now
Take a look at your floor & wall insulation
Insulating walls and flooring is a pivotal step towards creating an energy-efficient home. Proper insulation acts as a barrier, preventing the escape of warmth during the colder months and keeping the interior cool during warmer periods. By ensuring your home retains its desired temperature, the need for constant thermostat adjustments and frequent heating is substantially reduced.
As a result, homeowners can enjoy a more consistent and comfortable indoor climate while witnessing a significant drop in their heating bills. Moreover, beyond just cost-saving, proper insulation contributes to a reduction in energy consumption, supporting the broader goal of environmental sustainability.
Use A Modern & Efficient Boiler
Investing in a modern and efficient boiler is a sensible move to mitigate energy wastage in your home, offering an eco-friendly alternative to relying solely on electricity for heating. The market avails a variety of boilers, including gas, oil, and electric boilers, each with its own set of benefits.
If you currently use an older boiler in your home, it may not be as efficient as the latest models, and switching to a new boiler may therefore enable you to achieve significant reductions in your heating bills.
According to Money Saving Expert, more than 1 million households in the UK currently utilise heating oil tanks, indicating a significant reliance on oil for heating purposes. If you use heating oil in your home then it’s also important to be aware of the rising issue of oil theft.
As well as considering oil tank regulations and tank access points when deciding where to position a heating oil tank on your property, you should also consider how visible it is and how to keep it secure. Tanks can be hidden from view and thieves can be deterred by home CCTV and security lights.
Replace your old appliances with more efficient models
Upgrading your old appliances to newer and more energy-efficient models is another effective way to reduce both your carbon footprint and electricity bills. Older fridges and dishwashers often consume more energy than their modern counterparts due to outdated technology.
In contrast, most new appliances come equipped with advanced energy-efficient systems that use power more judiciously, leading to noticeable savings over time.
When shopping for replacements, always look at the energy labels of home appliances to check how much energy that appliance will use. These will allow you to make an informed choice and help you find which appliances use a low amount of energy. Regular use of these newer appliances can significantly lower energy consumption, resulting in substantial monetary savings in the long run.
Draught proof your home to keep the heat in
Draught proofing is a relatively simple yet impactful measure to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. Unlike controlled ventilation, draughts are random and can cause significant energy waste by letting in cold air and allowing warm air to escape. By applying draught excluders or weatherstripping to gaps in doors and windows, you can minimise this unintended air exchange.
The result is a more consistent indoor temperature, reducing the need to frequently use heating systems. Not only does this contribute to a more comfortable living environment, but it also leads to a marked reduction in your energy bills. Investing in draught-proofing is a cost-effective way to make your home snug while being ecologically responsible.
Photo by Zhao Yangyang on Unsplash
