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With energy bills still sky high, making our homes more energy-efficient isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for our wallets too. But with so many options, where do you start? Here’s the Habify guide to energy-saving home improvements to see you through 2024 and beyond.
Insulation… But do it right!
Let’s face it, a draughty house is a money-draining nightmare. So, top of the list is insulation. Fun fact: Most homes built before the 1920s have solid brick walls, which have very poor insulating qualities. That accounts for 8.5 million homes in Great Britain, and (according to which.co.uk) more than 90% of those are uninsulated! Insulating is a must, but make sure you get it right. Yes, your home needs to be insulated but it also needs to breathe – particularly if it is an older property. Good quality insulation will keep you warm without the damp and condensation issues associated with some types of home insulation.
If you have a conservatory which is difficult to heat due to lack of insulation, check out our energy-efficient, fully insulated tiled conservatory roof replacements, too.
Double glazing, or make it triple
Upgrading your windows from single to double glazing can slash heat loss by a whopping 50%, keeping your home toasty and your bills low. Consider triple glazing for even better performance, especially in colder regions. Triple glazing is around 50% more efficient than double glazing so could save you money in the long term. We offer triple glazing on all of our windows – just ask.
Smart Heating Hero
Ditch the outdated thermostat and embrace the smart heating revolution! Programmable thermostats and smart heating systems learn your routines and adjust temperatures automatically, saving you energy without sacrificing comfort. Bonus points if you combine it with zoned heating, only warming the rooms you’re actually using. If your home is largely open plan, as many modern homes are, you can facilitate this further by dividing large spaces using thermal curtains or room partitions. The smaller the space, the easier they are to heat!
LED the Way
Banish those energy-guzzling incandescent bulbs and switch to LED lighting. They last 25 times longer and use up to 90% less energy, making them a no-brainer swap. Plus, the variety of colour temperatures and styles means you can still create the perfect ambience. The initial outlay is slightly more for an LED bulb, but they are worth it. You will soon recoup the extra cost in savings on your energy bill.
Renewable Revolution
Ready to take the plunge into renewable energy? Consider solar panels. While the initial investment might seem daunting, government grants and feed-in tariffs can significantly reduce costs, and the long-term energy savings are substantial. Plus, you’ll be generating clean energy and reducing your carbon footprint. If you can afford to, you can also invest in a battery so that you can store your solar energy and use it even on grey winter days and in the evenings. Historically, many local councils, including Norfolk and Broadland have run schemes to encourage solar panel installations in homes so it’s definitely worth checking in to see what’s available in terms of help.
Don’t Forget the Freebies!
Check out government schemes like the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and Green Homes Grant for financial assistance with eligible improvements.
Bonus Tip: Check out the Energy Saving Trust website for more in-depth advice and resources.
