Tips for a more energy efficient home
As people are increasingly concerned about the environment, plus high fuel costs making expensive energy bills out of reach for some, many are looking for ways to increase the energy efficiency of their homes.
Taking one or more of the below steps to increase your energy efficiency can hugely benefit not just the planet, but also your lifestyle and wallet! Follow our helpful tips for inspiration on making your home more energy efficient.
1. Insulation
Insulating your attic ensures less energy needs to be used for heating or cooling. There are many government schemes available to help make insulating your home more affordable for those on a tight budget.
2. Solar panels
Despite not being the cheapest to install, solar panels can save you a fortune in heating and electricity costs by creating energy from sunlight. They also lessen your usage of fossil fuels and can assist when qualifying for certain tax incentives.
Image Credit
3. Storm doors
Storm doors have low emissivity glass or a protective coating which can reduce energy loss by up to 50%, according to the US Department of Energy. They can be added even if an energy efficient door is already in place and provide an extra layer of protection stopping warm or cold air from escaping through the cracks in your door.
4. Energy audits
If you really want to ensure you have the most efficient household, you could hire a professional to conduct an energy audit to locate any inefficiency or wasted energy in your home, in addition to helping you establish where savings or improvements could be made. Companies such as http://www.hprservicesltd.com/gloucester-boilers/boiler-service-gloucester/ offer boiler servicing options to keep you on the right path.
5. Energy Star
Products certified with an Energy Star stamp meet the energy efficient requirements the EPA set up and use roughly 10 – 50% less energy than a standard appliance.
6. HVAC maintenance
Annual check-ups on heating and cooling systems ensure they’re always running efficiently. Tightening connections, lubricating parts and cleaning coils keep your HVAC system running efficiently and less likely to break down. When getting a boiler service Gloucester company HPR can run full safety checks on gas, oil and LPG boilers.
7. Upgrade your PC
Getting a laptop instead of a desktop computer can save up to 80% electricity, as laptops run on less energy.
