Energy-efficiency will become one of the largest factors that people look for when they are buying a new home. Making your home energy-efficient is one of the best things you can do if you want to improve your home’s value as well as start saving the planet. If you want to make your home more efficient with the way it uses energy, here are seven ways you can transform your house and make it more sustainable – as well as saving you money!
Upgrade Your Boiler
Whilst upgrading your boiler can involve a significant cost, the amount of money you may save in the long run could be well-worth the investment. Older boilers tend to be significantly less energy-efficient than newer boilers that are designed for eco homes. Newer boilers are a lot cheaper to run, and you’ll be responsible for less emissions when it comes to keeping your home warm. It is estimated that you could save up to £400 a year if you buy a new boiler!
Get A Smart Meter
One of the best ways to make your home energy-efficient is to reduce the amount of energy that you use – and you can do this most effectively by getting a smart meter. A smart meter can tell you how much energy you’ve used in a day, which helps you keep track and reduce energy when needed. Some smart meters even allow you to target certain areas of the house – so you can really make the most of the energy you use. Smart meters will soon become the standard, so make sure that you’re looking into them now so you can be prepared.
Install Insulation
If you’re looking for the best cost-effective way you can make your home energy-efficient, insulation is definitely the option for you. There are many different types of insulation that you can invest in depending on your property type, and what you need from energy-efficiency. Loft insulation, under-floor insulation, cavity wall insulation, and exterior insulation are all options you can choose from to ensure that your home is losing less energy, as insulation traps heat inside your home – this means you use less energy overall. Insulation is one of the most important parts of developing green skills training and energy-efficiency awareness – make sure that you’re considering insulation when making your home energy-efficient.
Double Glaze Your Home
Insulation helps to prevent heat and energy leaving your home – and double glazing also helps to do that. A lot of heating can escape through the windows, and double or triple glazing can be one of the best things you can do if you want to reduce the amount of heat that gets wasted. Although double or triple glazing can be expensive, it can also add value to your home. Plus, you also may be able to get the initial investment back in just a few years, as it will allow you to save money on your energy bills.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances and Products
One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to making their home energy-efficient is to neglect the impact of appliances and products in their home. Fittings and fixtures that control how much energy and water you use can be one of the best things to invest in to make your home more energy-efficient, and they don’t usually cost as much money as other methods. Energy saving light bulbs, washing machines, kettles and more are available and could go a long way when it comes to saving you money. Furthermore, things like water-saving shower heads, baths, and low-flush systems could help reduce the significant water wastage that is affecting the planet.
Invest in Draught Stopping and Soft Furnishings
If you’re looking for another low cost way to make your home energy-efficient, looking for ways to stop draughts through soft furnishings and other methods can go a long way. A lot of these methods don’t have to cost you a lot of money, and can significantly reduce your energy bills. Using silicone sealant, rubber fittings and other methods to seal gaps in the walls or floors can significantly reduce the amount of energy your home wastes, saving you money for a very low cost.
Get Solar Panels
Solar panels are one of the most effective ways to cut your energy usage down, and slash your energy bills. Furthermore, solar panelling is very attractive to potential buyers, adding thousands to the value of your home. They convert sunlight into energy, allowing you to cut down your energy bills and converting a chunk of your energy use into renewable energy. There are many misconceptions about solar panels – they do still work when it’s cloudy! Despite the high initial cost, solar panels are well worth the investment – just make sure that any contractors have the right NVQs in construction and solar panel installation.