If you are concerned about the rising cost of energy, then the best thing you can do at the moment if you are looking to make some upgrades to your home is to focus on energy efficiency. The more energy efficient a property is, the cheaper it will be to run the heating and cooling systems, electrical appliances, water heating systems and more. The good news is that there are lots of energy-efficient upgrades that you can make to your home to save money by reducing energy use. While they often have a high upfront cost, they will usually pay for themselves over time with the savings that you will make.
Contents
Install a Heat Recovery System
A heat recovery unit can be an ideal alternative to a standard boiler when it comes to heating and cooling your home. An MVHR unit is designed to be a system that recovers the heat that would normally be lost through conventional air supply vents and extractor fans in the home. With over 90% of the heat that is normally lost recovered through these systems, it can be a great way to significantly save on your heating bill since air is recycled and redistributed rather than simply escaping the home, meaning your heating system will work less. Along with better heat distribution, these systems have many other benefits including cleaner indoor air quality, condensation and mould prevention, and better respiratory health.
Use Energy Efficient Appliances
Chances are that if your kitchen appliances have been in your home for quite a long time, they are not as energy efficient as they could be. Since kitchen appliances like the freezer, fridge, washing machine, dishwasher, and oven are ones that most of us use every day or at least most days of the week, it’s impossible to get away from the amount of energy that they are using. Replacing your appliances with greener, modern options that use much less energy per use is an ideal way to make your home more energy efficient without making any major changes.
Upgrade Your Windows
If your windows are quite draughty and sitting near a window in your home always leaves you feeling like you are being blasted with cold air, even if the window is closed, then this is a main sign that new windows might be necessary. Upgrading to double or triple-glazing, or simply getting new double-glazing if the windows you have are quite old will help to trap more heat in your home and reduce the amount of work your heating system has to do, therefore saving energy and money.
Insulate Your Home
If you do not have loft or cavity wall insulation in your home, or the insulation is quite old and worn, then now is the best time to get it done. Proper insulation can lead to major energy savings as it will prevent heat from escaping from your home and reduce the amount of work your heating system puts in. On average, homes with adequate insulation will save between £120 and £225 on energy bills per year.
While energy costs are on the rise, future-proofing your home with energy efficient upgrades is one of the best things you can do if you’re looking to invest in your property.
