Best ways to improve home energy efficiency
Energy efficiency improvements can greatly reduce a home's energy consumption and costs, while also benefiting the environment. In the UK, one way to assess a home's energy efficiency and identify areas for improvement is by obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). In this article, we will discuss some of the best energy efficiency improvements for homes in the UK and how an EPC can help homeowners make informed decisions about these improvements.
Insulation: One of the most effective ways to improve a home's energy efficiency is by properly insulating the building envelope. This includes the walls, roof, floors, and windows. Proper insulation can help to keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer, resulting in more stable indoor temperatures and lower energy bills. There are several types of insulation materials to choose from, including fiberglass, cellulose, and foam, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Your EPC Certificate will highlight areas of your property which may have inadequate insulation and you can then get quotes from relevant professionals to see which ones suit your budget, timescales and are practical to do.
Draught proofing: Another simple but effective way to improve a home's energy efficiency is by sealing draughts. This can be done by using draught stoppers for doors and windows, or by sealing gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and pipes with caulk or weatherstripping. Draught proofing can help to prevent warm air from escaping in the winter and cool air from escaping in the summer, resulting in more comfortable indoor temperatures and lower energy bills. Often it’s easy to feel draughts by simply running your hands around the frames of all your windows and doors and often you will immediately feel the cold air on your skin which will highlight which areas you need to be focussing on. Pay close attention to the Botton of doors, loft hatches and even letterboxes, keyholes and any holes in walls for pipes etc which are often not adequately sealed or which have corroded over time. These small things make significant differences and need to be dealt with.
Heating and hot water systems: Heating and hot water systems are typically the biggest energy consumers in a home. There are several ways to improve their energy efficiency, including:
Upgrading to a more efficient boiler: Replacing an old, inefficient boiler with a new, high-efficiency model can significantly reduce a home's energy consumption and costs.
Installing a smart thermostat: Smart thermostats allow homeowners to easily control their heating and hot water systems from their phone or tablet, and can even learn their schedule and adjust the temperature accordingly.
Insulating hot water pipes: Insulating hot water pipes can help to reduce heat loss and improve the efficiency of the hot water system.
Bleeding radiators: Radiators can sometimes become air locked, reducing their effectiveness. Bleeding radiators can help to improve their performance and increase the efficiency of the heating system.
Lighting: Upgrading to energy-efficient lighting is another simple but effective way to improve a home's energy efficiency. This can be done by replacing incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer. Homeowners can also consider installing dimmer switches and using task lighting to further reduce energy consumption.
Appliances: Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can also help to reduce a home's energy consumption and costs. When shopping for appliances, homeowners should look for products with a high energy rating label, which indicates that they meet strict energy efficiency standards and should be cheaper to run than your older current appliances. Appliances such as tumble dryers have improved dramatically in recent times with the arrival of heat pump models which operate on the same basis as heat pumps for space heating and can reduce running costs significantly, they cost a little more to buy initially but if you are using one a few times a week then with the high cost of electricity it should not take long to payback the extra money spent and start giving you a positive return.
Solar panels: Installing solar panels can greatly reduce a home's reliance on fossil fuels and lower energy costs. Solar panels use energy from the sun to generate electricity, which can be used to power the home or sent back to the grid for others to use. While the initial cost of installing solar panels can be high, the long-term savings on energy costs can make them a worthwhile investment particularly in collaboration with a heat pump or if you have electric vehicles then solar PV can be an excellent choice. Also now with battery storage options becoming cheaper to buy it is another great reason to consider solar as a great option for many homeowners.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that provides information on a home's energy efficiency and identifies opportunities for improvement. EPCs are required for all homes in the UK when they are built, sold, or rented, and are valid for 10 years. Obtaining an EPC can help homeowners to understand their home's energy consumption. NN Home Energy Surveys are based in Northampton and we supply EPCs throughout Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes and all surrounding towns and villages. To book an EPC or if you would like any advice then please feel free to call us on 07851 957628 or email: david@nnhes.co.uk