Global warming is already having a noticeable impact on our planet – sea levels are rising, polar glaciers are melting, and there have been increases in average temperatures all across the globe. We are all realising that each individual needs to take action and change their daily habits in order to reduce our energy usage and carbon footprint.
Fortunately, there are many ways to easily save energy around your property and the added bonus is that you will save money on your utility bills at the same time. Here are some easy ways to make your home and garden more energy efficient.
Have an energy assessment
According to energy experts at Nexus Energy Solutions
“An EPC certificate will give owners, tenants or buyers a detailed assessment of the current energy rating of a property. It will also list recommendations and guidelines about how to improve energy efficiency in the future.”
The information provided on an EPC will help you determine your environmental impact and will also provide you with recommendations on how to improve the energy performance of your home. This may include things like installing double glazing, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or having additional insulation fitted in your property.
Having an up to date EPC is a fantastic first step to making your property more energy efficient and any improvements should save you money in the long-run.
Embrace solar power
Switching to clean, renewable energy sources is an effective way to instantly reduce your carbon footprint. One of the most popular forms of renewable energy is solar power. Solar panels can be installed on your property quickly and easily and although the initial installation fees may seem expensive, the cost of this should be recovered through lower energy bills. What’s more, you could actually start making money on your investment in the long run. This is because once you have paid back the installation fees, you will have access to a free energy source for anywhere up to 30 years, which is the average life span of solar panels.
Information on greenmatch.com states that you should expect to start making a return on investment in around 9.5 years. You should therefore be able to enjoy a free green energy source for many years after you have paid back the installation fees.
Make your garden more sustainable
Most people restrict their thinking to the inside of their home when looking for ways to make their property more sustainable, but there are also plenty of ways to do this in your garden.
● Add decking or a patio to reduce the amount of grass in your garden to reduce water usage.
● Reduce your outdoor water usage by growing plants that are drought-resistant and require less water such as shrubs, sunflowers, and lavender.
● Collect rainwater and use it to water your garden and plants.
● Use a watering can instead of a hose to control water flow and minimise waste.
● Switch to using solar lights in your garden and home exterior.
Reduce electricity usage
There are many simple ways to reduce electricity usage in your home. Start by avoiding using a tumble dryer as much as possible. Hanging clothes outside to dry is just as effective and will instantly reduce your energy usage and cut your utility bills. Air-dried laundry has less static and less lint and it is also softer. If you have to use a dryer, then be sure to check that it’s on the most economical setting, and make sure you clean the filter regularly to keep it running in the most environmentally-friendly way possible.
Another simple way to save energy is by ensuring that you turn electrical devices off at the wall when they’re not in use. Devices on standby still use electricity which can waste huge amounts of energy, so be sure to check that they are turned off.
Do more activities that require no electricity like reading a book, writing, or drawing – this will reduce environmental harm and studies show that these pastimes are far better for you than passive activities like TV watching.
Old windows can be a major source of lost heat in your home, especially if they are made from single-glazing. When windows become old, worn, or damaged, replace them with energy-efficient ones to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat your home. New windows will also help reduce cold drafts and improve your home security, thus making your living space more comfortable for you and your family.
Final thought
As you can see, there are many easy ways to make your home more energy efficient. These small changes will help reduce your carbon footprint, make your living space more comfortable, and save you money on your energy bills. Try these energy-saving tips and see the effects for yourself!
Comments
One response to “How to Keep your Home and Garden Energy Efficient”
These are some great suggestions for ways to improve energy efficiency in your home. There are two specific funding schemes available for improving the energy efficiency of your home via OFGEM; Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and Energy Company Obligation (ECO). If you’re planning to get funding for improvements through either of these schemes and if you don’t already have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) you may need to get one as part of your application. They are also necessary if you want to find out detailed and specific recommendations for your property on the most economically efficient way to make improvements. This is done by taking the raw data from the EPC survey and then running simulations to produce a Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) report which is completed by an industry professional. This can help you to decide which measures will be the most productive for your home.