Are you concerned about increasing energy bills? The many bills that we pay to keep a household ticking over are often seen as unavoidable, but that is often not the case. We can always make small changes to our lifestyle habits to reduce our consumption, but the electricity and/or gas that we use at home can be reduced by making the property itself more energy efficient. Making the right changes can significantly reduce your bills and your carbon footprint, which is great for your wallet and the planet. Here are six ways to make your home more energy-efficient this year.
- Insulate your attic and walls
One of the most effective steps you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency is to insulate its walls and the attic. Insulation prevents heat from escaping, meaning that you do not need to use your heating as much to stay comfortable. There are lots of options in terms of the type of insulation you can choose, so it is best to speak to a professional about the best choice for your property.
2. Upgrade single-glazed windows
Single-glazed, ill-fitting, and/or leaky windows can lead to huge heat losses and will make it more expensive to heat your home. Replacing your windows with energy-efficient couble glazing Birmingham options will make your home more comfortable, cheaper to heat, and will prevent leaks which can lead to condensation and mould.
3. Replace your boiler
If your boiler is more than 12 years old and is non-condensing, replacing it with a modern condensing model could save you a significant amount of energy. That is because older boilers typically reach efficiencies of 65-80%, whereas modern boilers have to reach at least 92% efficiency by law.
In terms of money, this means that rather than wasting 20-35p of every pound you spend on heating, you would only be wasting a maximum of 8p. Smart thermostats can also give you greater control of your heating system via an app on your phone and can help you to identify where you could be saving energy.
4. Switch to energy-saving lightbulbs
Consider replacing your traditional incandescent lightbulbs with light-emitting diodes (LEDs), halogen incandescent bulbs, or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). These bulbs are typically more expensive to buy, but over time they use less energy and so are cheaper to run.
5. Embrace solar power
Solar power has the potential to save the world from global warming if enough households, businesses, and societies embrace solar technology. Much of the world’s electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels, and the more we use in our homes, the faster the world’s climate will change.
However, by installing solar photovoltaic panels on your roof, you can generate free and clean electricity to power your home. This reduces not only your carbon footprint but also your bills. Another option is to install solar thermal panels, which use the sun’s energy to heat water for your central heating.
That being said, it’s equally important to keep in mind that solar panel installation typically involves mounting panels on the roof. So, if your roof has existing damage or is in poor condition, it may not be able to support the weight of your solar panels. In such cases, roof repairs or replacements may be necessary. And, to achieve this, you might want to reach out to an affordable roofing company in Hamilton, or your local area. They can make sure your roof is in top shape and structurally sound, which is very crucial for a successful and safe solar panel installation.
6. Embrace propane
If you’re concerned about your home’s energy efficiency, it’s time to embrace propane. This clean-burning fuel is a game-changer, offering high-energy content that helps you use less fuel while getting more heat and power. Imagine lowering your energy bills, thanks to propane’s efficiency, and enjoying the reliability of appliances that last longer and perform better.
Plus, propane is easy to avail of. You can source it from a residential propane dealer near you. Additionally, the convenience of storing it on-site gives you a steady supply of energy and freeing you from unpredictable utility prices. What’s more? It burns cleaner than many other fuels, reducing emissions and making your home healthier and more eco-friendly. Put simply, by switching to propane, you’re not just saving money – you’re making a smart choice for a sustainable, comfortable home.
Bonus Tip: Book an energy audit
There are plenty of energy companies that will send a professional to conduct an energy audit on your home. They will look at your entire home’s energy consumption to identify where you could reduce your energy usage, reduce your bills, and minimise your carbon emissions.
