Five Steps for Improving Home Energy Efficiency

a picture of a home efficiency chart and a calculator

In today’s world, improving energy efficiency in your home is more important than ever.

By prioritising energy efficiency, not only can you begin to reduce your energy usage, but also contribute to providing a better environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Making your home energy-efficient, you can enjoy a comfortable living space while also playing your part in preserving the planet.

These benefits are increasingly crucial as energy continues to be volatile and the effects of climate change become more apparent. Here are five practical steps to help you get started.

 

Table of Contents

 

energy efficient home image with scale

1. Conduct a Home Energy Efficiency Audit

 

A home energy audit is the first step in understanding how much energy your home consumes and identifying areas where you can improve energy efficiency.

When conducting a home energy audit, you should inspect your home and provide a detailed report on energy usage, and seek out any room for efficiency improvements.  This initial step is vital for creating a roadmap to greater efficiency and can reveal hidden issues that might costing you money.

 

Benefits of a Home Energy Audit

  • Identifies Energy Leaks: An energy audit can help you pinpoint where your home is losing energy, such as through pesky drafts or poor insulation. Checking windows, doors, and appliances to identify any potential culprits.
  • Tailored Recommendations: You can identify specific areas on how to improve energy efficiency based on your home’s unique characteristics. This can range from simple fixes to more extensive upgrades like adding insulation.
  • Potential Savings: By implementing the recommendations, you can significantly reduce your energy bills. Long-term savings can be substantial, making the initial cost of the audit a worthwhile investment.

 

image of insulation being fitting

2. Improve Insulation

It’s no secret that in the UK there is an insulation crisis. The UK has old housing stock, with the majority of homes having been built in Victorian times, without the proper thought given towards insulation.

On average, 35-45% of heat loss is due to poor wall insulation, according to a study by Northern Energy. 

Proper insulation is essential for maintaining a consistent temperature in your home. Insufficient insulation can lead to further heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, forcing your heating and cooling systems to work harder. Improving insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance energy efficiency and comfort in your home.

Types of Insulation

There are various types of insulation, each suitable for different areas of your home:

  • Fiber glass Insulation: Commonly used in walls, attics, and floors, fiber glass insulation is cost-effective and easy to install and easy to source.
  • Spray Foam Insulation: Ideal for sealing gaps and cracks, spray foam expands to fill spaces, providing excellent insulation and air sealing.
  • Rigid Foam Insulation: Used for insulating exterior walls and foundations, rigid foam offers high insulation value and moisture resistance.

Tips for Improving Insulation

  • Check Attic Insulation: Ensure your attic is properly insulated, as this is one of the most common areas for heat loss. Adding insulation to your attic can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency.
  • Seal Gaps and Cracks: Use spray foam or sealant strips to seal any gaps around windows, doors, and other openings. This prevents drafts and keeps the warm air inside your home.
  • Insulate Ductwork: Insulate your home’s ductwork to prevent energy loss and improve heating and cooling efficiency.
  • Fitting your hot water cylinder with an insulating jacket has the potential to save you up to £35 a year.•

•https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/insulating-tanks-and-radiators/

 

 

3. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Heating

image showing the collection of fischer electric radiators

Changing the way you think about heating your home can be a game-changer in improving your efficiency. Looking at modern electric heating solutions can open up possibilities that would be impossible with a standard gas central heating system.

Upgrading your home’s heating to electric not only helps save the planet but also unlocks the added benefit of having full control over how your home is heated.

Electric heaters produce zero emissions at the point of use and can be controlled individually via wireless thermostats and even via wifi on your mobile phone! Room-by-room control like that provided by electric heating is essential when it comes to saving energy, after all, you wouldn’t leave your lights on if you weren’t there, so why would you keep your heating on?

 

How Energy Efficient Electric Heating can help you:

  • Room by Room Control – Only heat the rooms you are using with individual wireless thermostats for each electric radiator.
  • Zero emissions are the point of use.
  • Superior efficiency – Fischer’s electric radiators convert 100% of the energy they consume into heat, ensuring there is no wasted energy.

Try it today by booking your free heating survey.

 

4. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Smart technology has infiltrated and revolutionised the kitchen, the bathroom and even the washing machine. Energy savings can be made by installing a number of small appliances into your home to help you automate, regulate and monitor exactly where your electricity is going. 

We’ve noted down a couple of examples that can help you reclaim your energy: 

  • Smart Kettles: The simple kettle can save you energy by only heating to temperatures you need. Believe it or not, most hot drinks are best brewed with water that isn’t quite boiling! Green tea should only reach 80°c and black tea should be hitting boiling point.  Save energy by heating water to exactly the right temperature.
  • Air Fryers: These devices are the smart device for the kitchen as they use less energy than a conventional oven, costing around 40% less to run. They can be used to cook pretty much anything, from chicken to chips to even baking a cake.
  • Smart Washing Machines: Smart Washing machines can help you save by measuring things like capacity and adjusting the program automatically depending on your load. They can also monitor energy usage in real-time so you can work out when is best to use it. 

Many household appliances consume a significant amount of energy. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can lead to substantial energy savings over time. Modern appliances are designed to perform better while using less energy, making them a smart investment for any home.

Other Common Energy-Efficient Appliances

  • LED Lighting. Considering changing your lights. LEDs use 90% less energy than traditional halogen bulbs.
  • Dishwashers: Energy-efficient dishwashers use less water and energy, reducing utility costs.
  • Consider Long-Term Savings: While energy-efficient appliances sometimes might have a higher upfront cost, they can save you money on utility bills over time.

 

smart device with home symbols

5. Implement Smart Home Technology

Smart technology is all around us. From our phones can help you monitor and control your energy usage more effectively. By automating certain functions and providing real-time data, you can make more informed decisions about your energy consumption.

Popular Smart Home Devices

  • Smart Wireless Thermostats: These devices learn your schedule and adjust the temperature accordingly, optimizing heating and cooling. They can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, providing flexibility and convenience.
  • Smart Lighting: Control your lights remotely and set schedules to reduce energy use. Smart lighting can also include features like dimming and color adjustments.
  • Energy Monitors: Track your energy consumption in real-time to identify areas for improvement. Smart Meters can provide detailed insights into your energy usage patterns.

Benefits of Smart Home Technology

  • Convenience: Automate and control various aspects of your home from your smartphone or tablet. This can include lighting, heating, cooling, and even security systems.
  • Energy Savings: Optimize energy usage and reduce waste by using smart devices. For example, a smart thermostat can adjust the temperature when you’re away, saving energy without sacrificing comfort.
  • Enhanced Control: Gain insights into your energy consumption patterns and make adjustments as needed. Real-time data allows you to identify inefficiencies and take corrective action promptly.

 

Improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

By taking these five steps —

  • Conducting a Home Energy Audit
  • Improving Insulation
  • Upgrading Heating
  • Upgrading Appliances
  • Implementing Smart Home Technology

You can significantly reduce your energy consumption. Not only will you enjoy a more comfortable and efficient home, but you’ll also be contributing to a more sustainable future! Start today by requesting a free catalogue from Fischer and welcome energy efficiency into your home.

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