As the energy crisis rages on, millions of households in the UK are now struggling to keep up with the rise in utility costs. But while you might not have control over several factors - including the rise in consumer prices - you can certainly do a lot to reduce your home’s energy consumption, thus benefiting both your wallet and the planet. But how can you reduce your energy costs without having to compromise on comfort levels? Luckily, there is more than one strategy that can help you achieve your goal. If you are unsure how to get started, the home upgrades below might be investments worth considering before the winter months come around!
Invest in Cladding or Insulation
A great way to maximise your home’s energy efficiency is to invest in insulation. Solutions such as cladding or internal insulation can help you maintain your home warm for longer during the winter months, and can optimise the use of your cooling devices during summer. When looking for a company to entrust with your home’s classing project, make sure to choose a local provider with years of experience in residential cladding, such as Cladding Monkey.
Inspect Your Home for Drafts and Leaks
According to the Energy Saving Trust, one of the best ways to boost the energy efficiency of your home is to inspect your property for drafts and leaks. If you are looking to use your heating systems during the winter months, ensuring that there are no drafts or gaps that will quickly cool down your home can help you make the most of your energy use.
Upgrade to Renewable Energy
If you are in the process of renovating your home or you have just invested in a custom build, you might consider the benefits of investing in renewable energy. Installing solar panels won’t just help you reduce the cost of your energy consumption, but it can also boost the overall market value of your home.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
If you and your whole family have a hectic schedule and you can’t always plan when you’ll be at home, you should consider the benefits of investing in a smart thermostat. These smart devices can help you control the temperature and energy use of your home from a convenient app on your phone and entirely remotely. This can help you avoid unnecessary waste of energy when the house is empty.
Assess the Efficiency of Your Devices and Appliances
If you have had your devices and appliances for several years, their energy performance might be suboptimal. Alongside implementing responsible energy-using practices, consider upgrading your appliances to more modern and energy-efficient devices.
Introduce More Sustainable Habits in Your Family
When it comes down to creating a more sustainable and energy-efficient home, the investment required is not only a financial one. Indeed, by investing your time and commitment in this project, you can learn the true cost of leaving the lights on, seamlessly reduce your energy consumption, and do something great for the environment.
If you are unsure about how to get started, involve your whole family and introduce a set of best practices, including always switching the lights off, not leaving devices on standby, running appliances on full-load, and layering up during the winter months!
