Save the Planet and Your Wallet: 5 Way to Make Your Home Energy Efficient

By making your home more energy efficient, not only can you help to save the environment, you can also save money on your energy bill. Below we look at 4 steps you can take to make your home energy efficient.

Home Insulation

Insulating the walls and loft in your home will provide a number of benefits. Not only will insulation keep your house warmer in the winter, it will also help to keep it cooler in the summer. This means you won't need to use your heating or air conditioning systems as often. Because insulation adds another barrier between you and the outside world, it can also make your home more comfortable by keeping out unwanted sounds and moisture.

Double Glazing

The windows in your home play a key role in the transfer of heat. During the colder months, your windows can lose up to 40 percent of your home's heating energy and during summer 87 percent of your house's heat can be gained through the windows. Installing double glazed windows can help to prevent this heat gain and lose through out the year, making the climate within your home more comfortable and cutting your energy bills.

Draught Proof Your Home

Draught proofing your home is one of the simplest and most effective ways to become more energy efficient, saving you up to 25 percent on your energy bills. Draughts let cold air into your home, meaning that in winter you need to use more energy heating your home. During the summer months, draughts of warm air compromise the air conditioning system within your home. You should check the following places for draughts.

  • around doors and windows
  • around loft hatches
  • between floorboards
  • around electrical fittings

You should also install new door sweeps, and use weather stripping or foam tape around doors and windows. A door snake placed at the bottom of a door and hanging thick curtains can also help to reduce draughts in your home.

Solar Panels

Solar panel energy systems work by capturing the sun's energy using photovoltaic cells. These cells will work even on cloudy days, transforming sunlight into electricity which can be used to light your house or power your appliances. Sunlight is free, which means once you have installed the system, your energy bills will be reduced and the solar panels will begin to pay for themselves.

Take action today to make your home energy efficient and save both the planet and your bank balance.


Share