In today’s world there is a lot of talk about how to save money by making your home more energy efficient. So not surprisingly, you may not know where to begin! We’ve put together a list of the top tips you need to know so you can enhance your home’s energy efficiency. Here they are.
Be Vigilant with Your Thermostat
Do you know your Dad that’s always telling you to put a jumper on if it’s cold or turn the heating off if it’s hot? Well, that person is who you need to be where your thermostat is concerned. You can save money on your electric bills by turning the temperature down just a couple of degrees or by only turning on the heating when you need it. We would also recommend turning down the radiators in rooms you do not use as often.
Seal up Cracks and Holes
Of course your efforts with making your home more energy efficient will be in vain if you have any cracks or holes anywhere in your home. Check your walls, skirting boards, windows and doorways for any cracks, holes or damage. Any of these can cause heat to escape which means that your boiler needs to work harder to keep up the temperature, resulting in you using more energy. For internal holes such as the skirting board or walls then plaster or a sealant may be a quick fix providing the opening is not too deep. We would always recommend ensuring that you use quality products with no exposure to dangerous substances to your health. If in doubt, always use a qualified contractor.
Invest in Double or Triple Glazing
Another way to help your house retain its heat and keep your energy bills low. When cold air attempts to penetrate a single paned window, it only needs to pass between one window pane. Double glazed windows contain two window panes with trapped argon gas in between. When cold air attempts to penetrate the first pane, the argon gas acts as a protective buffer stopping it from entering the area between the first and second window pane. Triple glazed windows act as the same but with three panes and two layers of argon gas. Upgrading your windows, doors or conservatories to repel the colder weather should be in one of your first lines of defence to make your home energy efficient.
Consider Composite Doors
It’s not just windows and walls, skirting boards and doors but every material are a potential way for cold air to enter your home. Whereas most of the structure of the home, i.e your walls from brick and plaster are made from a singular material, composite doors are not. Typically speaking, these doors consist of a solid timber core, surrounded by layers of glass reinforced plastic (GRP), PVC, and insulating foam. This fusion of materials results in a door that is exceptionally robust, energy-efficient, and visually appealing. You can read more about the science behind the materials of composite doors here.
Look at Other Areas You Waste Electricity
Being energy efficient is not just about making improvements to your home, it’s making a commitment to be less wasteful. It can be as easy as turning off lights in rooms you are not using. Ensuring that you only use appliances for the time they need. If a cooker or a washer is taking longer, not performing as well or marked poorly on their energy performance certificate (EPC) then it may be time to replace them. Energy efficient appliances are marked between a grade of A* to G, with A* being the most efficient appliance currently available.
Don’t Rely on High Energy Consuming Appliances
If for whatever reason your heating breaks down, ensuring this is repaired as quickly as possible is essential to keep your bills low. You would think that with the heating going off, you might be saving in the meantime. But whether you own your home or not it may be the case that you have an expected consumption tariff with your energy provider. In colder weather it can’t be helped but try to avoid using portable heaters as they consume electricity rapidly from the mains. Without the power of a boiler, these heaters have to work constantly to heat your home, meaning it will still be chilly and you’ll be paying for energy twice. If you own your home, find a boiler repair company as quickly as possible. If you are a tenant, you may want to look at landlords responsibilities in the event of broken boilers here.
Furnishings Matter
Making your house a home can have financial benefits in the long term. Thick curtains can trap heat absorbed by sunlight on windows and glass during the day and trap it at night, keeping a thermal barrier against the cold. Having more furniture in your rooms can also assist with this. The less space a room has to heat, the less energy is needed to do so. Provided you have followed all of the other tips by investing in the best windows and glass and repairing your home, this will save money on your energy bills for years to come. You may wish to use this as an opportunity to renegotiate your tariff or change your energy payment plans too.
We hope this assists you with making your home more energy efficient! If you are looking to upgrade your windows or doors in the areas of Bingley, Ilkley, Keighley, Silsden or Skipton we are here to help. Contact us today on 01535 958 183 or contact us here.