More and more homeowners today are worrying about their energy bills, especially during winter. Unfortunately, the rising prices of utilities are unavoidable. Therefore, it is upon the homeowner to take measures that will help slash energy consumption and lead to paying less on energy bills.
Unfortunately, it is not always feasible to retrofit a home with drastic measures for increasing energy efficiency, but it is possible to take a few simple steps that can significantly impact the overall energy consumption of a house.
Improve insulation
If the home has a loft, it needs to be adequately insulated. It is estimated that homes in the UK waste approximately £500 each year due to poorly insulated ceilings. In improving loft or ceiling insulation, you may consider using building materials with high thermal performance such as SIPs UK manufacturers produce, for example, SIP UK.
Upgrade your HVAC equipment
Boilers are supposed to last at least ten years without significant breakdowns. However, a properly functioning boiler is not an indication of high-efficiency performance. New boilers with high-efficiency ratings can help you save money on your energy bills. Apart from lower energy bills, a high-efficiency boiler also produces fewer carbon emissions. If your furnace is due for an upgrade within the next couple of years, you may want to start considering an update as soon as possible to save money on your utility payments.
Use a smart meter to monitor energy consumption
Being aware of how much energy you consume on a daily basis gives you an insight into what can be improved on. A smart meter is a device that feeds detailed information about your energy consumption directly to your supplier. You can also have the information sent to an app on your computer or smartphone. As much as possible, involve every member of your family in the effort to use less energy and find simple ways to save.
Switch energy suppliers
Switching energy suppliers is an encouraged practice if you want to ensure that you are paying the cheapest possible tariff rates. If you have not changed energy suppliers in a while, it is likely that you are spending more than you should. The great thing is, finding a good deal and switching suppliers is a simple process. You can complete the switch using a comparison website, a broker, or by contacting the supplier directly. There will be no service interruptions, and the transfer is completed after approximately two weeks.
Double-glazed windows
Double-glazing windows may be a significant investment, but it is worth it in the long run. Double-glazed windows reinforce the thermal performance of a home and help keep warm air inside. When heat does not dissipate quickly, you will not have to use your heating equipment as much.
Invest in renewable solar energy
Solar panels are another investment worth looking into that can help reduce a home’s dependence on energy from the grid. One excellent use of solar energy is for water heating. Instead of a traditional boiler, you can use a solar power heater for your home’s hot water needs throughout the year.
2018 ·
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