With the energy price cap set to rise to £3,549 on average annually from the start of October, many people will be looking for ways to cut down their spending. So how can you save money on your energy bills this winter whilst making your home more energy efficient? Read on to explore some possible solutions.
1. Double Up
Double glazing is the gold standard for new build homes and most homes in the UK are at least partly double glazed. Unsurprisingly, double glazing is something that most buyers expect to see as it’s almost a necessity in our damp and chilly climate.
How does it help me save energy?
In essence, double glazing helps keeps your home warm and dry, as the sealed air gap between the two panes of glass acts as a layer of insulation (and it can help keep minimise noise levels, too). It could also affect the rating on your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Of course, better insulation means smaller energy bills, as you won’t have to waste as much energy keeping your home warm. In fact, according to the Energy Saving Trust, installing double glazing in a semi-detached house in the UK can help homeowners save £65-80 per year. While this might not seem a lot of money saved, it will add up in the long-term.
2. It’s boiling down to…
Energy-efficient boilers. If your boiler doesn’t have a good energy-efficiency rating, it might be time to consider a new one. We all recognise that sinking feeling when the boiler packs up, usually in the dead of winter, so seeing an old, inefficient one could be off-putting to potential buyers.
How does it help me save energy?
Heating accounts for more than half of the average yearly energy bill, which is a huge chunk of expenditure hanging on one appliance. According to the Energy Saving Trust, upgrading from an G-rated boiler to a A-rated boiler could save a semi-detached household £200 a year.
3. Some like it hot
As well as being a great place to hide furniture, lofts can play a major part in conserving heat. The simple addition of loft insulation can make your home more energy efficient, and it’s one of the easiest ways to improve your home’s eco-value.
How does it help me save energy?
In short, having an insulated loft means less heat will escape from your home, helping you to lower your energy usage and keep your house heated. In fact, the Energy Saving Trust says that the average owner of a semi-detached house could save £130 a year when they have their loft insulated. Usually, the insulation material is laid between the joists (the wooden beams) in your loft, then another layer is added on top, up to the required depth. If you want to lay a floor in the loft so it can be used for storage (always a bonus), you could consider purchasing inexpensive purpose-built legs that will support the new floor and leave you enough space for the insulation beneath.
4. A watertight idea
f you’re renovating your kitchen or bathroom before selling your home, consider switching to water-saving fittings such as water-saving toilets, taps, and shower heads to make your home more water-efficient.
How do these fittings help me save water?
Water-saving fittings do exactly what they say – they use less water, but without diminishing the efficacy of the fitting. Aerator taps are one example of a water-saving fitting. They mix water with air for a strong, steady stream that doesn’t splash. The tap still does its job, but it uses less water. The difference in your home may not be huge, but if everyone used water-saving fittings it would be beneficial for the environment.
5. Feeling clever?
It’s easier to control your energy use when you have visibility of it, which is where smart meters come in. They’ll show you how much energy you’re using in real time, so you never have to guess. Better yet, you shouldn’t have to pay to have one installed, just ask your current energy provider. They’re not available in all areas yet, but where they are, they’re completely free.
How do they help me save energy?
Smart meters don’t automatically reduce your energy use, but they can help you know where to cut down on your usage and save money. They replace the ‘old’ meters that most people have in the cupboard under the stairs. And as a bonus, rather than relying on estimated bills, or having to submit your own meter readings, your energy usage will be automatically and accurately billed, with no extra work from you.
6. It’s electrifying!
There’s little doubt that electric cars are the future, and the demand for electric vehicle charging points is already growing. Installing a charging point for an electric car may help homeowners get one step ahead.
What’s the benefits?
Electric car popularity is booming. If you own an electric car or are interested in purchasing one, having a dedicated charging point in your home will save a lot of hassle and it will add a unique selling point to your property. Electric cars themselves are better for the environment than petrol or diesel vehicles, so they’re an important part of helping us care for the environment.
7. Off the grid
Home-produced renewable energy is a small but booming business. Two of the most popular methods of generating electricity from home are through solar panels and wind turbines.
Why is renewable energy so important?
Solar electricity is completely renewable and doesn’t release any carbon dioxide or other pollutants into the atmosphere. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a typical home solar panel system (also known as a ‘photovoltaic system’) could save up to 1.7 tonnes of carbon every year. With a home solar panel system your home can be run partly on electricity that you have generated yourself, helping you save money on bills and reducing your need to rely on potentially non-renewable sources. Wind turbines are another option, and one that might be even more suitable for the UK’s blustery climate. As with solar panels, you’ll reduce the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere.
There are plenty of things you can do to make your home more energy-efficient whilst saving money, both taking the stress out of the approaching energy crisis and potentially helping your home become more appealing to buyers in the long-run.
Do you have an energy-efficient home and feel ready to sell? Find out how much your home is worth by getting in touch with our team.
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