There are many ways that you can make your home more energy-efficient – and luckily, there are plenty of options for budgets, both big and small.
Making your home more energy efficient is good for you and the environment. What is fantastic about becoming more aware of your carbon footprint, sustainability or eco-friendliness is that it is never too late to try to make a difference.
The more people who make just one change, the bigger the overall impact.
So, with that said, here are a few ways that you can make a positive impact and save some cash in the long run.
Photo by Karsten Würth on Unsplash
Big Budget
Often it is the biggest items that can save us the most money – but cost the most upfront. These are always worth doing since they usually positively impact the home almost instantly.
Solar panels
Solar panels can give you a significant saving on your energy bills through all of the summer months to the point you might end up positive in terms of your energy balance. Solar panels generate energy for your home independently from any electric company that you are subscribed to.
Rendering
External rendering from R&B Plastering can be part of your overall goal to make your home as energy-efficient as possible. Thermal efficiency increases mean the heat will be retained in your home to a higher degree and cost you less to heat the home in general.
Electricals
Replacing electricals can be expensive, but it can also drastically change your bills. Rather than opt to replace parts on non-energy efficient electricals, try to save up and replace the unit as a whole.
Small Budget
Even small budgets can make big impacts when you focus them in the right place. Here are a few smaller changes that can lead to a bigger impact.
Low-flow
If you keep the tap running as your brush your teeth or stand under the warmth of the shower water a little too long, you might be surprised just how much water you are wasting. Low-flow water options limit how much water you use and can give you a big saving.
Sealant
When was the last time you checked the sealant on the windows and doors? If it has been a while – or you never have, then it’s time to check it out. Even the smallest gap can leak heat out and let a cold wind blow in. Sealing gaps in windows don’t take long to do and can make a huge difference.
Hot water
Most of us have our washing machines set to use hot water for most washes. Unless there are specific hygiene or health reasons, you typically wash most items in much cooler water. A shocking 90% of the energy that your washing machine uses is to heat the water. Use the lowest temperature setting that you can – and your clothing will last longer too.
There are so many more tips that can help you to have a more energy-efficient home, and if you are making a conscious effort, then check out this post: Is your home winter-proof? – Three Little Z’s.
Laura x