The recent hike in energy bills was a shock to the system for millions of households across the UK, and the primary contributor to the rising rate of inflation. With further hikes due for later in the year, now is a better time than ever to ensure your home is as energy efficient as can be. Here are five effective ways to tackle energy usage in the home, and bring down costs before the next winter arrives.
Seal Your Windows
Before you begin to make any serious investments in major energy-saving measures, there are some simple DIY options that can make a big difference to temperature feel in a space. One such option is re-sealing your windows. For little more than the cost of decorator’s caulk, you can find and eliminate any draughts coming in around your windows, minimising ingress of colder air and ensuring efficient heating of your rooms in the process.
Cavity Wall Insulation
Cavity wall insulation is one of the most effective treatments you can introduce to your home with regard to energy efficiency; according to data from the Energy Savings Trust, cavity wall insulation can save households up to £245 per year, and well over a metric ton in CO2 emissions. Not every home has cavity walls, though – and while there are solid-wall insulation solutions available, they can be less effective.
Update Your Heating System
Your central heating could be a major contributor to high energy usage, whether an older conventional boiler or a more modern combi boiler system. There are a number of energy efficient central heating systems available for homeowners, from biomass boilers to air source heat pumps – both of which benefit from government subsidy in the event of a home install. There are also other heating system interventions you can pursue, including waste water heat recovery systems that recycle heat from waste bathing water.
Floor Insulation
Under-floor insulation is a simple but effective choice for ground floor insulation solutions, with localised impact; warmer floors underfoot can contribute to a sense of overall warmth, and reduce your fuel usage – on top of the conventional benefits. Under-floor insulation is particularly useful to ground floors in older homes, where suspended timber flooring enables installation; first and second floors see diminishing returns with insulation installation, but are still valid options for a generally eco-friendlier home.
Change Your Habits
Lastly, there are some attitudinal changes you can make in order to lower your home’s energy usage without spending a penny on renovations or other forms of intervention. One particularly costly habit lies in the leaving of household appliances on standby; leaving certain electrical items switched on at the wall can see them leeching electricity, which can add up to a significant additional cost each year. Just turning your TV off at the outlet can save an average of £12 a year.
