Identifying ways to make your home more energy efficient is a great way to save money and reduce your environmental footprint. Some minor changes around your home can have a significant impact and slash your monthly gas and electricity bills. Here are five ways to make your Birmingham property more energy efficient.
1. Turn your thermostat down
Turning your thermostat down is one of the easiest ways to lower your monthly utility bills. This can be difficult during the colder months, but lowering your thermostat by just a couple of degrees can save you money. According to thisismoney.com, turning your thermostat down by 1˚C could save you around £90 per year. Installing a smart thermostat is another way to make your property more energy efficient. A smart thermostat will make it easier to control the temperature in your home and minimise wasted energy. This will reduce carbon emissions and save you money.
2. Replace single-glazed windows
Old or damaged windows can be a major source of lost heat and make it difficult to keep your home warm, especially during winter. Many old properties still have single-glazed windows which often lead to poor insulation. Replacing your windows with more energy efficient designs, i.e. double-glazed, can instantly make your Birmingham property more energy efficient. Experts at mainstream-doubleglazing.co.uk state that, “Installing double-glazed windows Birmingham will add value to your property and save you money on heating bills”.
3. Invest in a new boiler
Replacing your boiler may be expensive, but it can make a huge difference to your utility bills. Your boiler accounts for around 60% of your total energy bills, so upgrading it is one of the most effective ways to reduce your heating costs. Modern boilers are far more efficient and are designed to save as much energy as possible. They are also a lot smaller and quieter than older models. You should consider replacing your boiler if it needs regular repairs, makes strange noises, or is more than ten years old.
4. Insulate your loft
Heat rises, which means that most properties lose significant amounts of heat through the roof. A properly insulated loft will help keep heat in your home and reduce wasted energy. This, in turn, will lower your heating costs and reduce environmental harm. According to confused.com: “Installing extra insulation in your loft could save you hundreds of pounds every year.” Experts recommend placing one or two more layers of insulating material on top of the insulation already in your loft. You should also consider adding extra insulation to your walls and floors to make your property even more energy efficient.
5. Install solar panels
Solar panels allow you to produce your own green energy without having to rely on electricity from the grid. Having a solar panel system installed on your roof is not cheap, but the costs should be recovered through the cost-saving benefits. Solar power is cheaper than traditional electricity, and you should start to make a profit once the installation fees have been paid off.