Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Home More Energy Efficient

In an era where environmental consciousness and energy efficiency are becoming increasingly important, making your home more energy-efficient is good for the planet and can be a smart financial decision. Reducing your energy consumption also has the potential to lower your utility bills and create a more comfortable living space.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explore various ways to improve your home to make it more energy-efficient, from simple upgrades like new windows and draught excluders to more substantial investments like solar panels and heated skirting boards.

1. Survey where your home may be using excessive energy

Taking the step to upgrade your home starts with awareness of your home’s energy consumption. Consider hiring a professional energy auditor or carrying out a DIY audit by examining your energy bills, identifying areas where energy may be wasted and making a list of potential improvements. This audit will help you prioritise your efforts and set a budget for your upcoming plan.

2. Block out obvious air leaks with draught excluders

Draughts can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency. These sneaky leaks allow warm air to escape in the winter and cool air to seep out during the summer.

To address this issue, invest in draught excluders for doors and windows. Self-adhesive weather stripping and door sweeps are cost-effective solutions that can make a noticeable difference in your home’s comfort and energy bills.

3. Upgrade to energy-efficient windows and doors

Traditional single-glazed windows and poorly insulated doors can be a significant source of energy loss. Consider replacing them with energy-efficient alternatives. Here are a couple of options:

Double glazing

Double-glazed windows consist of two layers of glass with a layer of inert gas in between. This design provides better insulation, reducing heat loss and noise transmission. Double glazing can help maintain a consistent indoor temperature year-round.

Energy-efficient doors

Whether you’re looking to replace your French doors without compromising on natural light or upgrading your old front door that’s letting in the cold air, ensure that your doors are made from a durable material such as Accoya timber. This will assist in improving your energy efficiency rating.

4. Insulation is key

Proper insulation is a key factor in improving energy efficiency. Insulating your walls and roof creates a thermal barrier that prevents heat from escaping during the winter and entering during the summer.

Using eco-friendly insulation materials like therma cork or sheep’s wool will provide added sustainability.

5. Consider home hub & smart meter technology

A home hub with app-controlled thermostats allows you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day, ensuring that you’re not wasting energy when you’re not at home or when you’re asleep. Smart thermostats can take this a step further by learning your preferences and adjusting settings automatically.

6. Invest in solar panels

For a more substantial and long-term energy efficiency upgrade, consider installing solar panels on your roof.

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, reducing your reliance on grid power and potentially leading to significant energy cost savings. Depending on your location and local incentives, you may even be able to sell excess energy back to the grid.

7. Explore heated skirting boards

Heated skirting boards are a relatively new innovative solution to improve your home’s heating efficiency. These low-level heating systems can be installed along the base of your walls and radiate heat upward, creating a more even and efficient heating distribution. They can also reduce the need for traditional radiators, freeing up space in your rooms.

Ready to enhance your home’s energy efficiency?

The Specialist in the Traditional Sash Windows team has years of experience supplying quality sash and casement windows to upgrade your home efficiently.

Before making any upgrades to your home, discover your eligibility for government grants for energy efficiency, as you may be able to make your home renovations with some assistance due to the new EPC regulations in 2025. Get in touch using our contact form or give us a call on 0800 3897384 to discuss your requirements.