How can I make my home more energy efficient?

If you are wondering how to make your home more energy efficient this winter, here are a few helpful ideas that could make a difference.

Almost everyone is concerned about rising energy costs, as gas and electricity bills have risen by unprecedented levels this year. With Ofgem set to announce a new price cap in April 2023, and the government’s Energy Price Guarantee due to end at the same time, homeowners are looking at ways to keep their homes warm and cut down on expenditure. If you are wondering how to make your home more energy efficient this winter, here are a few helpful ideas that could make a difference.  

Upgrade Windows and Doors

Every property loses a substantial amount of heat through its windows and doors – an issue made worse when there is no double glazing or energy efficient doors installed. There are three options available here; double glazing, which is two panes of glass with a sealed space in-between; triple glazing which is the same but with three panes; and secondary glazing, which adds to what you already have and could be a good option for listed buildings and rental homes.

Draught-Proofing

A cost-efficient way of keeping out the cold during the winter is to invest in some draught-proofing products. This is a good idea for older homes, as heat will be lost through draughts around windows and doors, floor gaps and up the chimney, if your property has one. In many cases it’s a case of adding draught proof strips to block out the gaps so heat is retained. You can find these types of products in most DIY stores and installation is straightforward too.

Turn off Standby

Hitting the standby putting on your appliances and gadgets may seem like enough to turn them off. However, if it is still plugged in and switched on then it will still be generating electricity that you will be charged for. It’s worth changing your routine throughout the day and checking that washing machines, laptops, hairdryers, TVs and similar items are all turned off at the plug when not in use. While it may not make a huge saving, with energy costs so high right now, every penny really does make a difference.

Water Usage

The average UK home gets through around 330 litres a day, which equates to 140 litres of water per head every day. The amount of water you use is closely linked to energy consumption, so it pays to save water wherever possible. For example, you can take shorter showers instead of baths, turn off the taps while you are brushing your teeth and use a washing up bowl instead of leaving the tap running when washing up. Try to use cold water instead of hot water wherever possible and before using washing machines and dishwashers, make sure they are full, rather than half empty.

Swap out large energy consuming appliances

The appliances that consume the most energy tend to be washing machines, dishwashers, tumble dryers, fridge freezers and TVs. It could be worth looking at new models that are more energy efficient, as it could help you save money in the long run. While there will be an initial expense up-front, over time you are more likely to reduce your energy bills with appliances that are not so energy hungry. You can also apply this principle to your boiler, which is central to how energy is delivered and used in your home. In many cases, companies will offer deals that allow you pay off the cost of new appliances over a set period, which can make it more affordable.

Get a Smart Meter

By now it’s likely that you would have been contacted by your energy provider about installing a smart meter. The great thing about smart meters is that they can be installed free of charge and the cost is shared by everyone, spread across all energy bills. It’s a simple digital device that will automatically track your gas and electricity usage, with a digital display showing you how much is being used and how much it costs. This gives you more insight and control over how much energy you use, and these meter readings are also sent automatically to your provider, so you don’t worry about having to them manually.