The energy efficient home; a state we all aspire to, though we’re not quite sure why, or how, for that matter. Well, the former first; the benefits of a more energy efficient home are manifold. For one, homeowners who choose to improve the energy conservation levels in their home will be doing their bit to help the environment; vital, we think. But if your ‘green’ translates more as money, then you’ll be pleased to hear it’s also financially efficient; reduced bills and a more attractive sell-on potential. So whether it’s conscious or coin that defines you, here are 5 IDEAL tips for making your home more energy efficient.
INSULATION
For decades insulation has been the name of the game in energy conservation – and still, as other aspects of the home have developed, it’s crucially important. We lose somewhere around 35% of our home’s heat through uninsulated or poorly insulated walls; that’s a huge number.
Another chunk is lost through the roof if not properly insulated, and another portion flies through windows that aren’t double-glazed. Make changes to your insulation situation to conserve the heat in your home in colder periods, in turn maximising your home’s energy efficiency potential.
APPLIANCES
The next key tip for energy efficiency in your home is to consider the appliances that you own, and how effectively and capably they run, especially those that use a good deal of electricity, like fridges, washing machines and dishwashers. Nowadays, these products are sold with an energy rating sticker located front and centre, so that you’ll know which product will save you energy costs in the long-run.
HEATING
The way in which you heat your home is another key deciding factor in how energy efficient you’ll be able to make it. You can save some 30% off your heating bills simply by changing your boiler to a more efficient model. Do a quick comparison of combi boiler prices and the concurrent savings you’ll make by installing one. In doing so, you’ll fully appreciate the benefits that lie in store if you’re to change your boiler for the better.
LIGHT BULBS
You may scoff at this one, but it’s true: light bulbs matter in energy efficiency. Just think about how much you have the lights on in your home; that’s a huge amount of energy you’re burning through if you’re lit up energy-inefficient bulbs. And with energy efficient lightbulbs nowadays fully developed, government approved and affordable, there can be no real excuse as to why you’re not operating on a different wattage when lighting your home.
WATER & BATHROOMS
While it’s not entirely related to energy efficiency, there is of course an element of efficiency in conserving the amount of hot water that you use in your home – the more you use, the more you have to heat up.
Perhaps the best tip here is to find a shower head that doesn’t compromise on your ability to wash comfortably, but is water efficient in the process. Practical, mindful behaviour will help too; don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth, only turn the shower on when you’re under the head….that kinda thing.
The above five tips provide a comprehensive guide as to how you’ll be able to peak your home’s energy efficiency, helping to save the planet while saving yourself costly bills in the process.
