With the UK aiming for net zero by 2050 and the rising cost of energy bills, you may be wondering how you can improve the energy efficiency of your home. Luckily, there is a multitude of ways to do this – some that require a professional but also ones that you can easily DIY.
Here are a few suggestions to help you move towards a more sustainable home while saving a bit of money too!
Insulation
Insulation is key if you are looking to make your home more energy efficient. Around 25% of heat is lost through the roof, so ensuring that you install high-quality roof insulation could significantly increase the energy efficiency of your home. The Energy Saving Trust suggest that an average home could save up to £140 -£240 per year through adequate loft insulation, resulting in over £1,000 worth of savings over just five years.
Wall insulation is also important and can result in savings. If your cavity-wall insulation is deemed ‘hard to treat’ you may be able to receive a grant in line with the Energy Company Obligation which can help to fund your insulation.
Draught proofing
Draught proofing your home is one of the easiest ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency as you will need to use less energy to keep your home warm which helps to reduce your energy bills. A good place to start is by sealing gaps around your home, for example, gaps under doors. This can be done by buying or making your own draught excluder, using flexible sealant or attaching brush strips at the bottom of external doors.
Other ways to draught-proof include investing in thermal curtains and blinds, using an internal letterbox brush or cover and adding a chimney cap if you have an open chimney to stop heat from escaping and cold air from entering.
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Consider alternative energy
Making the most of alternative, naturally occurring energy is a great way to keep your energy costs down. Solar panels tend to be a popular choice among homeowners as they also work when it is cloudy, meaning that the dreary UK weather isn’t a problem! Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity which is used to power your home. While the initial cost can be expensive, your energy bills will decrease significantly and you can even sell back any leftover energy to your supplier.
Air source and ground source heat pumps are also a great way to power your home using alternative energy. Generally, air source pumps are easier to install as they don’t require any digging or drilling but they can be less efficient.
Upgrade your boiler
Old boilers tend to lose a lot of heat and are significantly less energy efficient than newer models. As such, upgrading your boiler can be a good option if you are wanting to reduce your home’s carbon dioxide emissions, while also saving money. Replacing your old G-rated boiler with a newer A-rated boiler can save you around £340 per year on your gas bill.
Currently, in the UK, the government are offering grants to cover part of the cost to upgrade your old fossil fuel boiler to a heat pump or biomass boiler. While this is only available for those living in England and Wales, if you are in Scotland you may be able to get an interest-free loan to help make your home more energy efficient.
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