Be energy efficient and save money this winter
Here are some ideas to make your home more energy efficient:
Monday: Make sure you have enough insulation
Loft insulation is an effective way to reduce heat loss and save on your fuel bills. Go and check the insulation in your loft: the minimum recommended depth is 270mm. You can buy more insulation from a DIY store and follow this video for tips on how to install it.
Tuesday: Insulate your pipes
Pipe insulation reduces heat loss from exposed pipes, which will not only keep your water hotter for longer but also reduce the amount of energy you need to heat the water. Insulation is simply a foam tube that covers the exposed pipes between your hot water cylinder and boiler. You can buy the correct size from a DIY shop and then slip it around the pipes.
Wednesday: Reflect your heat.
Radiator reflector panels reflect the heat back into your room, rather than letting it escape through the wall. This helps you reduce your energy consumption – and feel warmer. They are simple to install and only need to go behind radiators on external walls.
Thursday: Declutter the loft
Many of us store bags and boxes in the loft but if they are sitting on your insulation the compression is making it less effective. Decluttering your loft will solve this problem instantly – and save you money.
Friday: Get rid of any drafts
If you can eliminate heat loss caused by draughts in your home, your boiler will use less energy trying to maintain a certain temperature and you’ll save money. Traditional draft excluders are cheap and easy to make – just look online – and could be a great activity for you to do with your children as the nights draw in.
Saturday: Insulate your windows
A lot of heat from your home can leak through the windows. Double glazing works because air trapped between the two panes of glass acts as an insulator, reducing heat loss by over 50%. However, if you don’t have double glazing, you can reduce heat loss by using radiator reflector panels as described above and by using thick (ideally thermal) curtains.
Sunday: Upgrade your heating controls
According to the Energy Saving Trust, more than a half of a typical household’s energy bill goes on heating and hot water. Did you know you can upgrade or install heating controls without replacing your boiler? Room thermostats, a programmer and thermostatic radiator valves will help you to use energy more efficiently. Having a smart meter could also help you save energy by making you aware of how much energy you use.