With energy prices at an all-time high, making some upgrades to improve your home’s energy efficiency can help reduce your energy bills and save you money over time. There are several easy improvements you can make that don’t require huge investments upfront but can pay off in the long run. Here are some of the top ways upgrading your home can lead to energy and cost savings.
Install Insulation
One of the best ways to improve energy efficiency is by installing insulation. Insulating your loft and walls prevents heat from escaping and reduces the energy needed to heat your home. For older homes that lack proper insulation, adding it can reduce heat loss by up to 25%. The type of insulation you need will depend on your home, but common options include mineral wool, fibre glass and polyurethane foam. As an added benefit, insulation also enhances soundproofing. The upfront cost of installing insulation can seem high, but over time it more than pays for itself in energy bill savings.
Upgrade Windows
Old, draughty windows can be a major source of heat loss in homes. Replacing them with energy-efficient double or triple-glazed windows reduces wasted energy. While they are more expensive than other upgrades like insulation, new energy-efficient windows make a dramatic difference in heat retention and noise reduction. ROI is slower, but long-term savings from lower heating bills make the investment worthwhile.
Consider UPVC or Composite Doors
Your external doors are another area where you may lose heat in winter. Swapping out old doors for well-insulated ones keeps warm air inside. UPVC doors are an affordable option made from uPVC framing and double or triple-glazed panels. Composite doors combine PVC, wood, insulation and a reinforced frame for maximum energy efficiency. They have very high thermal efficiency, retaining heat in your home. Both UPVC and composite doors provide superior insulation compared to conventional wooden doors. The improved seals mean reduced energy usage for heating. Although composite doors cost more initially, their durability offsets the difference in the long run. Check out some options at https://thehomedesigngroup.co.uk/products/composite-doors-belfast/.
Upgrade Your Heating System
An older, inefficient boiler can waste a lot of energy. Upgrading to a new condensing boiler or heat pump improves efficiency. Look for an A-rated model and controls that let you programme the heating and hot water to come on at certain times. The boiler or heat pump itself will cost several thousand pounds but changing from an old G-rated boiler to a new A-rated one could save you £340 annually.
Install Smart Heating Controls
One simple way to be more energy efficient is by adding smart thermostatic radiator valves. These allow you to control the temperature in each room from an app and program your heating. Smart TRVs prevent rooms from being overheated when not in use, saving energy and lowering bills. They cost around £40 per valve but the expense is recouped within a couple of years from the heating savings.
Consider Renewable Energy
Adding renewable energy sources such as solar panels reduces reliance on traditional fuels like natural gas. While it requires substantial upfront investment, over time the solar system pays back through lower energy bills and government incentives.
Making energy efficiency home improvements requires some initial financial outlay. But once completed, almost all upgrades will save you money annually on bills.