As energy prices go up and environmental issues get more pressing, making your home energy efficient is a financial and ecological must. RM Plumbing can help you implement a number of energy efficient strategies in your Cardiff home. Not only will these changes reduce your carbon footprint but they’ll also save you money on your bills. This article will walk you through the different ways to make your home energy efficient.
What is Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency means using less energy to do the same thing – that is, getting rid of energy waste. This can be done in many ways, from insulating to upgrading appliances. Energy efficiency benefits your wallet and the environment as it reduces greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
Insulation: The First Line of Defence
A well insulated home keeps the heat in during winter and out during summer, reducing the need for heating and cooling. Here are the key areas to focus on:
Roof and Loft Insulation
A quarter of the heat is lost through the roof in an uninsulated home. Adding or upgrading loft insulation can make a big difference. Recommended loft insulation depth is 270mm and materials like mineral wool, cellulose or fibreglass are common.
Wall Insulation
Walls account for a third of all heat lost in an uninsulated home. There are two types of wall insulation: cavity wall insulation for homes with cavity walls and solid wall insulation for older homes. Cavity wall insulation involves filling the gap between the walls with an insulating material, while solid wall insulation can be applied internally or externally.
Floor Insulation
Insulating your floors can also help reduce energy loss. This is especially important if you have an older home with suspended timber floors. Insulation can be installed beneath the floorboards or for solid floors, rigid insulation can be laid on top.
Efficient Heating Systems
Upgrading your heating system can make a big difference to your home’s energy efficiency. Consider:
Condensing Boilers
Modern condensing boilers are more efficient than old boilers as they recover heat from the flue gases that would otherwise be lost. If your boiler is over 10 years old, upgrading to a condensing model will save you money and reduce your energy consumption.
Smart Thermostats
These devices let you control your heating from your smartphone or tablet, so you don’t heat your home unnecessarily. Smart thermostats can learn your schedule and adjust the heating accordingly, maximise efficiency.
Radiator Reflectors
Installing reflective panels behind radiators can reduce heat loss through external walls. These reflectors bounce the heat back into the room, improving your heating system’s efficiency.
Windows and Doors
Double Glazing
Double glazing is one of the best ways to reduce heat loss. These windows have two layers of glass with a gap in between which acts as an insulating barrier. Triple glazing is even better but more expensive.
Draught Proofing
Sealing gaps around windows, doors and chimneys can reduce heat loss. Draught-proofing strips around doors and windows, chimney balloons and letterbox covers are simple solutions.
Energy Efficient Lighting and Appliances
LED Lighting
Replacing incandescent bulbs with LED lights can reduce your lighting energy consumption by up to 90%. LEDs last longer and use a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs.
Energy Efficient Appliances
When buying new appliances look for those with high energy efficiency ratings. The EU energy label tells you the efficiency of the appliance, from A+++ to G. Choosing appliances with A+ or above will save you a lot of energy.
Renewable Energy Sources
If you want to go the extra mile for sustainability, renewable energy sources are a good investment:
Solar Panels
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity. Although the initial installation cost is high, solar panels will reduce your electricity bills and even generate income through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) where you get paid for the surplus energy you export back to the grid.
Heat Pumps
Air source and ground source heat pumps extract heat from the air or ground and use it to heat your home. They are very efficient and will reduce your reliance on traditional heating systems.
Behavioural Changes
Finally, simple changes in your daily habits can help you have a more energy efficient home:
Turning off appliances
Make sure to turn off lights, TVs and other appliances when not in use. Standby mode still consumes energy so unplug devices or use smart plugs to cut off the power completely.
Reducing Water Heating Costs
Set your water heater to 60°C. Washing clothes at 30°C and taking shorter showers will also help reduce energy consumption.
Conclusion
In summary, improving your home’s energy efficiency is a combination of better insulation, efficient heating systems, energy efficient appliances and sometimes a switch to renewable energy sources. These changes big and small will save you money on your energy bills and a more sustainable lifestyle. Start with the easy ones and work your way up to the bigger investments to gradually have a greener, more cost effective home.