Never has our energy consumption been so closely under the spotlight (using LED bulbs, of course). With energy prices a regular topic of debate and a daily cause for concern for millions of UK households, everything from our lightbulbs to standby mode are coming under greater scrutiny.
Whilst right now, only government intervention and nationalisation of profiteering energy companies will get prices (and greed) under control, in the long run it’s only sensible to consider some home improvements and adjustments, both big and small, to ensure your property is optimised in terms of its energy consumption.
With that in mind, and with our thoughts very much on the long term, here are 8 purchases that could make your home more energy efficient.
An Automated Thermostat
Automated thermostats can adjust themselves to their environment in a clean, green way. They do this by learning the temperatures you like to keep in the house at certain times and automatically adjusting accordingly, so you don’t have to worry about faffing around constantly to find your optimum warmth.
The added upside of this convenience is that you waste very little energy heating or cooling your home when you’re not there. Automated thermostats have been estimated to save hundreds in energy costs alone, so they are an investment well worth it, even before you consider the environmentally positive implications.
Read: Why you should switch to a smart thermostat
A Heat Pump
As the Energy Saving Trust explains, ”A heat pump captures heat from outside and moves it into your home.”
Whilst both residential and commercial heat pump technologies use electricity, they do represent a potentially energy-efficient solution to heating your home. The EST elaborates; ”as a heat pump captures heat that is already present in the environment, the system itself does not burn any fuel and therefore emits no carbon dioxide.”
Fascinating stuff. That said, in the UK, many older buildings aren’t especially well insulated. This means that heat pumps – and other types of heating systems – will likely have to work harder to produce the same results as they would in a well-insulated building.
Therefore, the best results from heat pumps tend to come from new builds or from refurbishment projects with integrated insulation. When combined with effective insulation and triple glazing (more of that in a minute), heat pumps can represent a smart, savvy investment in terms of energy efficiency and environmental impact.
Double Or Triple Glazing
Around a quarter of a home’s energy is lost through its windows. Accordingly, window treatments are another option for increasing the energy efficiency of your house, and are growing in popularity. While curtains are good at keeping heat in your home when they’re drawn in the evening, they’re rarely deployed during the day (unless you prefer to live in dingy darkness, that is).
Investing in different window treatments or double glazing is worth investigating as the money will be recuperated fairly quickly in energy savings. As stated in a government report on double glazing published in 2016, you could save £150 by swapping your single glazing for double, due to the warmth kept in and energy saved domestically. It should be noted that, soon, triple glazing will be industry standard, and would make an even more worthwhile long-term investment.
A Rooftop Reservoir
For areas that receive plenty of rainfall throughout the year, converting that rainfall for non-essential tasks can be a great way to save costs on water use. This is done through rooftop reservoirs, which can be connected to toilets and showers to provide ample water for both. Although not suitable for drinking, the water collected is fine for other use around the home.
Insulation Stations
A crucial aspect often overlooked in the quest for energy efficiency is the role of comprehensive insulation throughout your home. Proper insulation acts as a thermal barrier, keeping heat in during the winter and out during the summer, thus reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. This includes not just the more commonly thought of areas like walls and lofts, but also considering the installation of insulated ceiling tiles.
Ceiling tiles, especially those designed with insulation in mind, can significantly reduce heat loss. In many UK homes, heat rises only to escape through poorly insulated ceilings and roofs. By fitting insulated ceiling tiles, you create an additional layer of protection against thermal transfer, which can be particularly effective in rooms with high ceilings or in top-floor flats where heat loss is most prevalent. Reputable companies like Ceiling Tiles Express recommend priorisiting those made from mineral, as they not only offer insulating qualities but also soundproofing.
Beyond ceiling tiles, other forms of insulation such as cavity wall insulation, floor insulation, and even pipe insulation contribute to a comprehensive approach. Each form of insulation works to minimise the energy required to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, leading to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
Install Low-Flow
Staying on the theme of water but keeping things much more manageable, installing a low-flow showerhead is a straightforward way for you to reduce the general water efficiency of your home.
When you install a low-flow showerhead, you can reduce your flow rate to less than 2.5gpm. Most conventional showerheads see 5gpm at a minimum, meaning your shower’s water output is halved with a simple device that you can find on Amazon for as little as £15.
Sure, your shower head will feel a little less amazing, but you’ll be doing your bit for the environment and your energy bills. What’s not to love?
Solar Panels Or Windmills
Depending on your location, of course, you may find that solar panels or a windmill can provide alternative energy. Such energy is a huge investment – it’s no secret – but they’re also a wise one for a number of reasons.
The Money Saving Expert agrees, suggesting that you save up to £360 a year on your bills. And that’s not all; installing solar panels could well raise the value of your property substantially, too. When considering your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate), your certificate will likely be promoted from a D to a band B through the installation of panels, which would likely amount to around £16,000 for your place’s value.
Replace Your Incandescent Light Bulbs
Being energy efficient takes so many forms, and at its most micro-level, even the light bulbs you buy matter in energy efficiency.
Energy efficient lightbulbs are now fully developed, government approved and affordable, meaning there can be no real excuse as to why you’re not operating on a different wattage when lighting your home. Soon enough you’ll come to appreciate the golden glow of a more energy efficient bulb and enjoy not cowering in the stark, harsh light of the more powerful ones.
We hope we’ve shone some light on how to improve your home’s energy efficiency in the future.
