Make your home energy efficient

The best way to increase the efficiency of your heating system is to install a modern energy-efficient boiler, but there are plenty of other easy, and cheaper, ways of cutting your energy bills. Here are a few top tips to keep you warm and energy efficient.

Make your home more energy efficient

Doors
Fit draught excluders around the edge of your external doors and add an internal flap to stop draughts coming through the letterbox. Even the keyhole can let in draughts, so add an escutcheon plate. You can also fit a brush strip across the bottom of the door, if that will help.

Insulation
If you lay down a 270mm layer of fibre insulation in your loft, you could save a significant amount off annual heating costs. It will also make the bedrooms ‘feel’ warmer. Topping up thin layers of old insulation to at least 270mm is also a good idea.

If you have cavity walls, then getting cavity wall insulation will add to the above saving considerably… we are talking savings of up to £300 for the average house per year.

There are other types of insulation available for solid walls too, and are well worth looking at. Visit the Energy Saving Trust website for more information.

Hot water tank
Make sure your hot water tank is fitted with an insulation jacket – it only costs around £10.

Radiators
Fit insulated foil sheet behind radiators that are fitted to outside walls. You should also check the system is working at its best by regularly bleeding the radiators of trapped air. Check out radiators by Cast Iron Radiators.

Central heating
A modern combination or condensing boiler is a big money saver if you plan to stay in the same house for the medium to long term. It’s also worth updating your heating controls by fitting thermostatic radiator valves. These allow you to heat just the rooms you need and adjust the temperatures precisely.

Advanced timer units for the boiler can cut down on wasted heat by adjusting the on-off times to your needs.

You can even switch to different times for the weekends.

Energy-efficient light bulbs
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) will save you money, cutting electric bills by up to £10 per year. Always turn out the lights when you leave a room.

Windows
Up to 25% of the lost heat in a home is caused by draughty windows. Add draught excluders around the outside edges of window frames and get into the habit of drawing the curtains at night to keep the heat in.

Appliances
Buy energy efficient appliances to lower your electricity consumption. Look at the coding on freezers, fridges, washers and other appliances: ‘A’ rated machines are much more efficient than ‘E’ or ‘F’ rated appliances. For more tips on making your home more energy efficient, visit the Energy Saving Trust website.