Over the winter months, weathering the dual storm of the energy crisis and the rising cost of living has turned many people to consider how they can improve the efficiency of their homes in the future. As this important issue is also linked to the government’s intentions to reduce carbon emissions, there is a lot of information and various grants to help people from sinking. Here are some fundamentals to help you make your ship more watertight.
Energy Performance Certificate
You may be familiar with the rainbow EPC ratings you get on new appliances, they have a range of colours and letters that rate your dishwasher for example from A to G. A is super-efficient, and G is lamentable. You can also get an EPC rating for your home which will indicate the cost of heating and running your home and the CO2 emissions involved. Plus, the rating suggests how you can improve your rating and highlight the means to achieve that end. A landlord is obliged to provide a valid EPC to all prospective tenants so they can anticipate what costs they may encounter when it comes to heating and lighting the home. Similarly, if you are putting your house on the market, you will need to provide the EPC rating. To arrange a domestic energy assessor to provide you with a certificate valid for 10 years, or to check if there is an existing one in place for your property, click here.
Free government grants for improving energy efficiency in your home
In light of the cost-of-living crisis the government is pledging 4 billion pounds to the Great British energy eco 4 scheme. Targeting those in most need this grant seeks to improve the efficiency rating of those who are unable to upgrade the efficiency of their homes due to low income. Where homes are in the E- G bracket of energy performance, they may qualify to receive grants that will improve not only their efficiency but also their carbon footprint. Upgrading boilers, insulating homes, and installing solar panels and heat pumps are the main strategy for this scheme. Check here to see if you are eligible for this grant.
5 major steps in improving energy efficiency
These steps will improve your EPC rating and reduce the cost of energy bills over the years. Based on the particulars of your house you will want to research options and find the best options for investment. If you have an older home, a Victorian or Edwardian home, most of these steps are relevant in making it more efficient.
- Upgrade your boiler
Estimates suggest that by upgrading a G-rated boiler to a newer A-rated model could save you up to £340 a year on your gas bill. An A-rated model will save money in the long run as it has a full set of heating controls and will reduce carbon emissions. Check out the latest range of combi boilers for 2023 here.
- Double or triple glazing
While you may have not been planning on refitting the windows in your property, it may be worth getting a quote to consider the value of such an investment. Triple glazing is more thermally efficient than double glazing, and acts as a further sound barrier. Many people opt for triple glazing because it is more energy efficient. Most heat loss in the home is from the windows, so it is important to consider where you can make improvements. However, there are some factors to consider when evaluating this option. Learn more about the pros and cons of triple glazing to decide if it is an investment worth making.
- Renewable energy sources
Now that the energy crisis is affecting people’s lives so directly, integrating renewable energy into the home is becoming more of a priority. Grants are available for various households who are eligible to take this opportunity, based on a low income. Energy providers like Eon Energy supply renewable energy to their customers and also assist them in making changes at home. Research is key to deciding what will make a good investment over the forthcoming years. The increased uptake of solar panels over the years has reduced their cost by 60%. Investing in solar panels increases the value of your home, reduces energy bills over time, and provides you with electricity all year round. Plus, you can sell back the surplus energy you generate through the SEG.
- Smart Meter and energy efficient fittings
A smart meter can help you monitor your usage of energy so you can understand how to save money over time. Breaking down energy consumption to hour-by-hour analysis can help you see which activities are causing the most expenditure. Smart sensor systems can detect when activity is low in a room and turn the lights off. This guideline helps you understand which light bulbs are being phased out and which fittings are better in invest in. As standards are altered to meet carbon emission goals many regulations are being adapted to only work with energy-efficient products, so it is worth investing in those particularly if you are a landlord as they will be required for gas and electrical certifications. Water saving showerheads, low flush toilets and low flow taps can all make a difference to water consumption over time.
- Insulation
Insulation is key to thermal retention in the home. Apparently one quarter of the heat of a home is lost through the roof, as we know, heat rises. Insulating your loft will make a big difference to the overall heat loss of your home. Plus, this can be done without building regulations, so you can get on with it at home as a DIY challenge. The Energy Saving Trust have a complete guide to going ahead with this intrepid mission. Cavity Wall insulation does require building regulations approval, but luckily can be done quite swiftly by the professionals. By drilling small holes into the space between the inner and outer wall of a house, insulation can be injected into the cavity. This will increase the overall energy performance of a home dramatically. Homes built after the 1930’s are generally more eligible for Cavity Wall insulation as they have the gap between the inner and outer wall. Solid Wall insulation is relevant for period houses and can help to make older houses more energy efficient.
Aussie and energy efficiency
Without a doubt the EPC rating of a house is going to affect its value more than ever before. Within the financial turbulence of late, many people considered selling up and downsizing, to run more cost-effective homes. However, with a bit of research and a change of approach it may be worth considering all your options. If you are considering moving home, we pride ourselves in being a thoroughly efficient removals and storage company. We can take the stress of the move in our stride and allow you to save your precious energy. Check out our customer reviews to be assured we really are London’s favourite removals and storage company. Whatever your situation we have various options that can help you move smoothly, whether it is a domestic, business, or international move. Get in touch today for a free quote.
