There are many ways to make your home more energy efficient, regardless of it’s size or age.
Improving the energy efficiency of your home can mean either making changes to the building, or simply changing your behavior to save energy. Energy Performance Certificates will give you advice on both of these areas.
Installing Energy Efficient Measures
Cavity Walls
if you have any unfilled cavity walls, installing insulation could cut heat loss by over 30 per cent and save ave £140 per year on running costs. It will also improve your SAP rating by up to +13 points.
Loft Insulation
Fitting insulation that is at least 250 mm thick (current industry minimum) could cut heat loss by around 30 per cent, saving you £105 per year running costs. Will also improve the SAP rating by up to +10 points.
Hot Water Cylinder Jackets
These cost from around £10 and cut heat loss in your hot water cylinder by around 75 per cent. The benefit is your boiler will not need to re-heat the water so often and can save approx £40 per year.
Low Energy Lightbulbs
These last up to 12 times longer and use around 80 per cent less energy than traditional filament bulbs.
Behavior Changes
There are some very simple and practical ways you and your family can improve your energy efficiency and reduce your energy costs by focusing on how you use your home.
Central Heating
Check that your heating system thermostat (normally found in the hall or living room) isn’t set too high, 21 Celsius in the living room is suggested maximum. Also use the system timer or programmer (normally found next to your boiler) so you only heat your home when necessary.
Hot Water
Make sure your hot water isn’t too hot. Your hot water cylinder thermostat shouldn’t need to be set higher than 60 Celsius or 140 Fahrenheit.
Lights! Turn them off
Turn off lights when they aren’t needed, also don’t leave appliances on standby. Remember not to leave chargers (eg mobile phones) turned on when you aren’t using them.
