How to make your home more energy efficient

Every home can be greener but how do we make sure we are living in energy efficient homes? With rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, more people want to ensure their homes use energy wisely.

From turning appliances off, to how well insulated our homes are, these little changes can have a huge impact. This guide will walk you through the different home improvements you can make to improve energy efficiency.

How can insulation make my home more energy efficient?

There are a few different ways that you can insulate your home, but some of the most common are loft, cavity and floor insulation.

Loft insulation

Loft insulation is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Adding insulation to your loft helps keep heat in during winter and out during summer. There are a few different types of material used for this.

Mineral and glass wools are popular, affordable and widely available. They can also provide heat insulation, as well as sound protection too.

If you’re installing these materials yourself, wear protective clothing to avoid skin irritation.

Sheep’s wool is an alternative material that is natural, renewable and eco-friendly. However, this option costs more and requires treatment before use to deter pests.

Cavity Insulation

If your home was built in the last 70-80 years, its external walls probably have an inner and outer layer with a small gap called a cavity.

Builders designed this cavity to stop moisture from reaching the inner walls. You can boost your home’s energy efficiency by filling the cavity with insulation.

Cavity insulation isn’t a DIY job. Professionals need to install foam or beads using special equipment.

Floor Insulation

Floor insulation is another way in which you can reduce heat loss in your home and make it more energy efficient.

For homes with traditional floorboards, installers lift the boards and place insulation between the joists. Homes with solid floors require a layer of insulation laid directly on top instead.

This can be disruptive, and you’ll need to clear rooms before work starts. However, if you are wanting to maximise your home’s energy efficiency, then floor insulation is definitely worth it.

How can draught proofing make my home more energy efficient?

Common areas to draught-proof include windows and doors. If you’re confident with DIY, it’s usually straightforward.

However, older properties can present some challenges so in these cases it can be beneficial to seek professional help.

How do I draught proof a window?

Use draught-proofing strips to seal gaps between the frame and an opening window. Foam strips are cheap and easy to fit but wear out quickly. Metal or plastic strips with brushes or wipers last longer and work better but cost more.

Choose the right size strips for your windows to stop draughts from getting through. Seal gaps in non-opening windows with silicone sealant.

How do I draught proof a door?

When draught proofing a door, focus on four areas:

• Keyhole: Fit a cover that slides or drops a metal disc over it.
• Letterbox: Install a flap or brush, measure first for the correct size.
• Bottom gap: Use a brush strip or hinged flap draught excluder.
• Edges: Apply foam, brush or wiper strips like those used on windows.

You should avoid sealing internal doors, leave a small gap underneath to maintain airflow.

How do I upgrade my boiler system for energy efficiency?

Heat pumps and biomass boilers improve home efficiency by using renewable energy and consuming less than traditional systems. Heat pumps take heat from the environment and move it indoors, producing more heat than the electricity they use.

Biomass boilers burn sustainable fuels like wood pellets and often cut running costs, especially when the fuel is locally sourced.

In some cases, you may be eligible for a grant through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). In England and Wales, you can get up to £7,500 toward a low carbon heating system. This usually covers a heat pump, but you can also use it towards a biomass boiler.

To apply for the BUS scheme, find an MCS certified installer. They’ll do the work and confirm if you’re eligible for the grant. You can find out more information on the scheme here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme

You can also check out our blog on air source heat pumps here: https://www.howarth-timber.co.uk/inspiration-advice/how-do-air-source-heat-pumps-work/

How can installing solar panels make my home more energy efficient?

Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity for your home. By installing them, you can generate clean, renewable energy for appliances. Store any excess electricity or sell it back to the grid.

Sunlight is free, so after you cover installation costs, your energy bills drop with almost no extra expenses. Solar power is sustainable and eco-friendly, and a typical UK home can save about one tonne of carbon emissions each year.

If you want to find out more about solar panels, you can check out our Solar PV vs Solar Thermal blog here: https://www.howarth-timber.co.uk/inspiration-advice/solar-thermal-vs-solar-pv/

How can turning off my appliances on standby save energy?

Standby mode keeps appliances like TVs, computers and chargers in a low energy state so they power up quickly. To save energy, unplug devices that don’t need constant power, but check the manufacturer’s guidelines first.

Switching appliances off can cut standby energy use and save about £45 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

Improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t have to mean costly renovations. Simple, consistent actions, like turning off standby mode and enhancing insulation, can lead to significant savings over time. By starting today, you’ll cut energy bills, shrink your carbon footprint, and enjoy a more comfortable home for years to come!

If you have any more questions about how to make your home more energy efficient, or you require any additional information about the products we sell at Howarth, please visit your local Howarth branch, or contact our customer services on 01472 907051.