Energy efficiency is a powerful concept that encourages us to consume energy responsibly and minimize waste. Not only does being energy efficient help protect our planet and combat climate change, but it also saves you money on your energy bills. In our daily lives, we often use a lot of energy from burning fossil fuels without realizing that making minor changes to our energy consumption can make our homes much more energy efficient and help us save money while reducing our carbon footprint.

We understand that it can be challenging to know where to start when it comes to making the environment healthier, so we suggest beginning with your home. This article will discuss ways to make your home more energy efficient and help you save money while doing your part to protect the planet.

Points that are going to be covered:

1. Minimize water usage
2. Utilize natural energy by installing solar panels
3. Get your walls insulated
4. Get underfloor insulation
5. Replace your old boiler with a more efficient one
6. Invest in a smart thermostat
7. Draught-proof your windows
8. Switch to LED bulbs
9. Avoid leaving electrical appliances on standby.

 

Let's begin:

1. Minimize water usage

Saving water is closely related to saving energy. By reducing your water use, you can lower your energy bills, reduce the impact on your local environment, and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by using less energy to pump, heat, and treat the water.

 

It would help if you made minor changes to your daily habits to make a significant difference. For example, if you usually shower for 20 minutes, reduce your shower time to 15 minutes. According to multiple reports, this simple change can save up to £70 per year.

Additionally, remember to turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. The water you waste while brushing is worth money and energy. In short, be mindful of your water consumption, as a lot of energy is used to deliver water to your taps and showers.

 

2. Utilize natural energy by installing Solar Panels

 

You've likely heard of solar panels, and you may know that the initial installation cost can be expensive. However, the long-term savings on energy bills make it a worthwhile investment. Solar energy is an efficient way to generate electricity, as it can be stored for use when the sun goes down with the help of an electric generator.

Not only does it reduce your carbon footprint significantly, but it also gives you the freedom to consume affordable electricity without relying on your electricity provider. All that's required is regular maintenance, which is not overly complex.

Read more about: How Solar energy can save you money

 

3. Get your walls insulated

Insulation is essential in making your home energy-efficient, as poorly insulated walls can cause heat to escape, resulting in high energy bills. In addition, it can affect the temperature of your house, cause mold on your walls, and create gaps that allow mice and rats to enter your home. Improper insulation can also lead to frozen and burst pipes and damage to tiles. The best solution is to get either solid or cavity wall insulation.

 

Solid wall insulation comes in two forms: external and internal. External solid wall insulation involves fitting an insulation material layer to the wall and covering it with render or cladding. On the other hand, internal solid wall insulation involves fitting rigid insulation boards into a wall. Cavity walls are insulated from the outside, sealed with a cavity filling and insulation material, and finally covered with cement. It is recommended to contact a specialist to inspect your house and determine whether your house is suitable for cavity insulation or not.

 

The savings you can make on energy bills through solid wall insulation range from £240 to £930, and for cavity wall insulation, the savings range from £180 to £690. Insulation can be a great way to reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.

 

4. Get Underfloor Insulation

Underfloor insulation is essential for keeping your home warm from below. It provides energy efficiency by trapping heat during the winter and keeping your home cool during the summer. The underfloor insulation creates a barrier that protects your home from the air that flows beneath your property.

Installing underfloor insulation can save you up to 15% on your energy bills and increase the value of your home by improving its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating.

 

5. Replace your old boiler with a more efficient one

Regarding energy efficiency, your boiler is essential for keeping your home warm and comfortable during the winter. Unfortunately, an inefficient boiler can cost you up to 55% more on your energy bills. Investing in A-rated gas boilers is essential to making your home more energy efficient.

If your boiler is 10–15 years old, it is likely the cause of your rising energy bills. According to heating experts at 24|7 Home Rescue, getting a new A-rated boiler can be highly cost-effective, as it boasts an efficiency rating of 90%, saving you around £200–£250 per year on energy bills. Understandably, replacing your boiler can be a costly endeavor. Fortunately, you can get a new A-rated boiler by financing it with a fixed monthly payment option, making the cost more manageable.

6. Invest in a smart thermostat

 

Thermostats are essential for regulating the temperature in your home. You may need to manually adjust the settings during winter to keep your home warm. However, this can be difficult when you're not home, as you may forget to turn the temperature down and waste energy. A smart thermostat is a great way to ensure your home is energy efficient.

 

Smart thermostats allow you to create automatic and programmable temperature settings based on daily schedules, weather conditions, and heating and cooling needs. Switching to a smart thermostat can limit energy wastage and easily keep your home at the ideal temperature.

 

7. Draught-proof your windows

 

Ventilation helps reduce condensation and dampness by allowing fresh air in when necessary. However, draughts can let too much cold air in, wasting the heat and warmth of your home. That is why draught-proofing your home is so important and influential; not only does it save energy, but it also saves you money, no matter what type of home or building you live in. We have detailed guides on how to select the most energy-efficient windows for your home. Make sure to read it.

 

Draught-proofing works by blocking any unwanted gaps through which cold air can enter your home and warm air can escape. By draught-proofing your windows, you can keep the warm air inside, using less energy to reheat your home.

 

Draught-proofing will cost you approximately between £200 and £250 and can save you up to £60 per year. Investing in draught-proofing is a great way to ensure your home is energy-efficient and cost-effective.

 

 

8. Switch to LED bulbs

 

switching from traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs to LED bulbs can save you up to £4-£16 per year, depending on the wattage. LED bulbs throughout your home can improve the lighting quality and reduce electricity bills and CO2 emissions, making your home more energy efficient.

 

9. Avoid leaving electrical appliances on standby

 

 

Last, our habit of leaving various appliances on, whether we use them or not, is costing us dearly. From TVs and hairdryers to mobile phones, many gadgets are left on standby, resulting in an estimated £30-£40 in energy wastage per year on our energy bills.

 

Switch off appliances and gadgets when you are not using them. Doing so can help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint. To make your home more energy efficient, we have created a list of electrical safety tips that every home owner should know.

 

Conclusion:

 

I hope you now understand that a bit of attention to your home can save you a significant amount of money on your bills and make your home energy efficient. Follow the nine tips mentioned earlier, and the results will be fruitful and beneficial.