Inefficient homes waste money and contribute to excessive carbon emissions. If you’re a homeowner, landlord or developer, upgrading your property’s energy efficiency doesn’t necessarily have to be a daunting task or an expensive overhaul.
Replace or add insulation
Poorly insulated homes allow more heat to escape, forcing heating systems to work harder and use more energy.
Start with the loft – this can account for a large chunk of heat loss from a home if it’s not properly insulated. It’s recommended to have at least 270mm of mineral wool or an equivalent material to create an effective thermal barrier.
If you have cavity walls, check whether they have insulation and, if not, consider having them filled with foam or bead insulation. Solid walls can lose even more heat, so internal or external insulation panels should make a dramatic difference.
Install modern windows and doors
If you’re still relying on outdated windows, upgrading to double or triple glazing with low-emissivity (low-E) glass reduces heat loss without sacrificing natural light. The space between the panes contains an inert gas, such as argon, which slows heat transfer and keeps your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Old doors with thin panels or gaps around the edges also contribute. Solid-core composite doors could improve insulation, but fitting draught-proof strips around the frame might be enough to create an airtight seal if you’re on a smaller budget.
If replacing doors isn’t an option, consider adding a thermal curtain behind external doors to block out draughts.
Upgrade the heating system
Inefficient boilers waste fuel and money. If yours is over 10 years old, it could be time for a replacement. Newer condensing boilers, as part of modern central heating systems, significantly cut energy consumption by capturing and reusing heat that would have traditionally been lost.
Choose a model with smart controls that allows you to monitor and adjust temperatures remotely. Custom heating schedules should also help to avoid unnecessary energy use.
With a bigger budget, you could consider a heat pump. Air source models extract warmth from the air, even in cold weather, and use it to heat your home efficiently. Ground source pumps offer even greater efficiency but require more space for installation.
Invest in energy-efficient lighting and appliances
Incandescent lights waste energy as heat. LED alternatives significantly less electricity and last much longer. Swapping out all bulbs in your home for LEDs provides instant energy savings without any disruption.
If household appliances account for a large portion of your energy bills, replacing outdated models with high-efficiency alternatives could make a noticeable difference.
Look for fridges, washing machines and dishwashers with an A-rated energy label – meaning they consume less power and make less noise without sacrificing performance.
