Improving your home may not be at the top of your to-do list at the moment. However, in reality, it should be because those home improvements (no matter how small) can help you reduce the amount of energy you consume in your home. Making improvements can benefit you both in the short term and in the long-term too. So, what should be the first thing you start doing?
Looking at Where Improvements Can Be Made
First off, you are going to want to look at just where improvements can be made. Go around your home, and monitor where you think energy is being wasted. For example, are the seals around your front door faulty and letting in cold air? Are the radiators old and not retaining their heat? Or are you heating spaces that are poorly insulated? Before committing to making any type of improvement, you have to see what needs doing and what is going to give you the greatest benefit.
A New Heating System with Suitable Controls
A lot of poor energy consumption can be attributed to an old heating system. Older systems can use more gas or oil than they need to, and this can mean they are more expensive to run. They can also draw more electricity than you initially thought. Investing in a new heating system and also investing in new thermostatic controls may be able to give you control back over how much heat you have (and retain) within your home.
Loft and Wall Insulation
If your walls feel cold to the touch (even after you have had the heating on), you may find that walls are not adequately insulated. As mentioned above, poor insulation will mean that your home will not retain heat. This means that you will be spending a lot to heat a cold space. Walls and lofts can be insulated cheaply, and you can even find that there may be grants available to help you with the cost.
Smart Connected Devices
You can often find that you are using too much energy simply because you are not being vigilant enough with the controls. For example, if you invest in a wifi thermostat, you can stay on top of when you run the heating or hot water and for how long – a solution that is much better than if you didn’t have this smart feature in your home. Smart and connected devices add convenience to energy usage, and they allow you to monitor what you are using more carefully. This is a home improvement that is very quick and simple to install and use. From hot water timing devices to boiler control devices, you will be able to start saving money and energy quickly.
Double or Triple Glazed Windows
When your home has older windows installed, you will be using more heating to keep the space warm in winter. New double or single-glazed windows can help you regulate the temperature in your home. New glazed units retain the heat in winter, and they keep the cooler air in during the summer months. Changing the windows and doors in your home is not going to be a cheap process, but it could help you cut your energy consumption.
