The summer months are finally here which means we get to enjoy the warmth of the sun without suffering through the cold and dark. Unfortunately, this also means that it’s high time for all homeowners to take a long hard look at their energy usage and start saving those pennies on their electricity bills. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to make your house eco-friendlier, such as using LED bulbs and installing programmable thermostats.
The following tips will improve your home’s energy efficiency.
1) Improve Your Loft Insulation
According to the Energy Saving Trust, around 25% of a home’s heat escapes through the roof if the loft isn’t insulated. This is bad for both your wallet and the environment. To top it off, a poorly insulated roof means that your energy bills will be higher, and you’ll have to burn more fuel to keep warm or cool. The solution is simple; just add more insulation to your loft space.
2) Replace Your Windows
A good quality window will save you money on your electricity bills and help improve the ambience of your home. You can cut your heating bills by installing double-glazed or triple-glazed windows. You should also make sure that they fit properly so that they don’t let in noise and cold air. Keep an eye on the market and choose a good quality product that is energy efficient.
What are triple-glazed windows? In short, they are like double-glazed windows but have a third pane of glass. They can be particularly good at improving your home energy efficiency where you have large panes of glass.
3) Install Smart Thermostats
Energy bills increase during the winter months as temperatures plummet, but you can avoid this by installing a programmable thermostat which will automatically adjust the temperature according to your comfort. This is cheaper than having to use a boiler or electric heater to keep your home warm and will also help you save money on your energy bills in the long run.
4) Install Energy-Saving Light Bulbs
Lighting is a huge drag on your energy usage so invest in energy-efficient light bulbs as soon as possible. You can get up to 10% more light for the same amount of electricity. Energy-saving bulbs are also now available in all shapes and sizes, so you won’t need to worry about finding the right size for your fixture.
5) Upgrade Your Heating System
Do you have a gas boiler? There are probably more efficient heating systems available such as heat pumps or heat recovery systems. Although they are more expensive to buy, they will make your home more comfortable and save you money on your energy bills.
6) Keep Your Home Well Sealed
Do you have a lot of gaps around your windows and doors? Then it’s time to call a professional to inspect the sealant on your windows and doors. Sealing the gaps can reduce heat loss by 50 percent or more, depending on the size of the gap. You can also use draught excluders to further reduce heat loss through open doorways. However, be careful that they don’t contact electrical sockets as this could cause a fire hazard.
As you can see, there are many ways that you can save money and energy without spending a fortune. The best way to ensure the success of any program is to exceed your expectations with the best technology available. This way, you know that you are on the right path. Energy efficiency is not always an easy task to tackle but once it’s under control, your bills should reflect serious savings.
