Homeowners always look for ways to save money on energy bills, especially during the cold months.
One of the obvious ways to achieve this is by making your home more energy-efficient.
From investing in a new boiler to ensuring proper insulation, this article explores eight ways to improve your energy efficiency for the winter.
Let the sunlight in
The most effortless and eco-friendly way to save energy is by allowing sunlight to enter your home during the day.
The sun’s natural warmth can significantly improve your warmth and, thus, your home’s energy efficiency during the colder months.
When you open your curtains during the day, you can let the sunlight in and provide a source of natural warmth that can help reduce the need for heating. South-facing windows that receive direct sunlight are particularly effective.
Closing the curtains at night will help retain the heat inside, improving your energy efficiency.
Invest in a new boiler
Installing an A-rated boiler appliance may initially seem expensive, but it pays off in the long run.
It’s good to know that heating and water account for 60 % of a family’s energy consumption, so maintaining your boiler at peak efficiency makes compelling financial sense. With the new energy-efficient boilers, operating costs are 9-25% lower than with conventional models.
The advantages of upgrading your boiler appliance extend beyond its functional, healthy, and economic features. On the other hand, old boilers are more expensive to operate and pose the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
With so many boiler options, you may wonder which one is right for you. When deciding between regular and combi boilers, remember that regular boilers always heat your home and add to your utility bills constantly. On the other hand, a combi boiler produces hot water whenever you need it.
Ensure your boiler is positioned correctly, professionally installed, and insulated to save energy and money.
Change your hot water cylinder
Consider upgrading your hot water cylinder to a mains pressure system for faster heating and reduced utility bills. With efficient heating, high water pressure, and eco-friendly water treatment, you can enjoy a superior shower experience with consistent water temperature.
In addition, this upgrade frees up space in your loft since it eliminates the need for a large tank. Moreover, the long-term investment is worthwhile as these cylinders require minimal maintenance, consume less energy, prevent frozen pipes in winter, and are highly durable.
To further increase your savings, consider adding an extra layer of insulation to your cylinder, keeping the water hotter for longer. Avoid adjusting the thermostat to a higher setting to accelerate the heat process, as this will cause you to mix more cold water with hot water and use more energy than necessary.
Instead, set the thermostat somewhere in the range of 60-65 degrees Celsius to prevent overheating and save energy.
Adjusting the thermostat
You can eliminate cold weather and high electricity bills by installing a thermostat in the most used room.
Generally, it does not sense the temperature of the surrounding air but only the temperature of the air near the thermostat.
Hence, mounting the thermostat far from sources of heat or sunlight and not blocking it with bulky furniture or radiator covers is one of the most effective ways to save energy.
Adjust thermostatic radiator valves
Plenty of homeowners turn the thermostat to the highest setting to keep warm air inside.
The knob should be adjusted to a low level and turned up gradually until the desired temperature is reached. This will save you money on heating and give you better temperature comfort in the room. Let the TRV control the room temperature once you’ve reached the proper temperature.
Consider installing wireless, programmable thermostats where the temperature can be adjusted automatically depending on your room’s temperature.
Ensure all radiators are working efficiently
You may think that turning off some radiators will reduce your energy consumption, but it’s not a cost-effective solution.
When one or more radiators are turned down or off, the remaining radiators must work harder to maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home, leading to an uneven heat distribution.
Keeping all radiators on is recommended to ensure that your heating system operates optimally and provides even heat distribution all around the house.
For more insulation, add a storm room
Keeping your home insulated is a good idea since energy and fuel prices have risen over the past few years.
A storm room protects against snowstorms, melting snow, and heavy rains. If your home is equipped with old but still in good condition, doors are also an excellent energy investment. It’ll cost you a bit of money but will pay off in improved insulation, comfort, and a warm environment.
If your home is equipped with old but still in good condition, doors are also an excellent energy investment.
Make sure your home is well insulated
A poorly insulated door or window can be a serious source of energy loss. Heatproofing your home is a cheap and effective way to reduce heating expenses.
Ensure that doors and windows are weather-stripped to prevent air leaks. If it’s something that is out of capabilities, a professional handyman can be of great help in such a situation.
You should also use caulking to seal air leaks between the window frames and the walls. In less than a year, you will usually be able to see the return on your investment when you weatherise your home.
With the rising cost of living, it’s best to winter-proof your attic, basement, and crawl space since they are the main sources of heat loss.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, investing in energy-efficient upgrades for your home can pay off in the long run, improving comfort and reducing energy costs.
By installing an A-rated boiler, changing your hot water cylinder, adjusting your thermostat settings, ensuring all radiators are working efficiently, and properly insulating your home, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and enjoy a more sustainable lifestyle.
So, take the first step towards a more energy-efficient home today and start reaping the benefits.
