Many households across Oxfordshire would make considerable annual savings with an improvement to their home’s thermal efficiency.
Although thermally efficient houses are cheaper to maintain than less efficient dwellings, some homeowners are put off by having to make the necessary improvements.
So which energy efficiency options can guarantee the biggest long-term savings? If you’re planning a DIY project over the coming months, here’s how to make a real difference to your home’s efficiency levels.
Energy efficient windows and doors
Most of the heat escaping from your home does so through your windows and doors. Therefore upgrading to more energy efficient windows and doors is a good place to start, particularly if your home doesn’t already feature high-quality double glazing. Energy-efficient windows and doors will help keep your home warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer and quieter throughout the year. This will make a significant contribution to its market value, with this increase exceeding the initial outlay.
Loft insulation
The Energy Saving Trust in the United Kingdom strongly recommends quality loft insulation. The materials required to insulate a loft are affordable and can be installed with ease. After installation, much of the heat that would have otherwise risen through your roof will be retained. On average, quality loft insulation has a lifespan of around 40 years, producing an exceptional return on your investment.
Cavity wall insulation
Most modern homes are built with cavity wall insulation as a standard feature. However, properties built before 1990 may need to be insulated to improve their energy efficiency. It’s a job that can only be carried out by experienced professionals, but can nonetheless add up to long-term savings.
Floor insulation
Another upgrade recommended by the Energy Saving Trust is insulation for lower-level floors, which can be susceptible to the cold temperatures of the ground below. Insulation installed under the floorboards can significantly improve ground floor energy efficiency. This often adds up to annual savings of around £50 or more.
Draught-proofing
Upgrading to new windows and doors can help ensure your interiors are protected from potentially problematic drafts. But if your windows and doors are still in good condition, simply draught-proofing with specialist strips and sealers could make a real difference. Likewise, if there’s any damage or deterioration to the window glass, they should be professionally repaired to prevent heat loss.
Insulating pipes and tanks
It’s worth considering insulating all pipes, tanks and radiators around the home. This will ensure hot water retains its temperature for as long as possible. Insulating jackets with a thickness of 75mm are recommended, putting less strain on your boiler and consuming less energy as a result.
Thermostat installation
A single thermostat controlling interior temperatures will not provide optimal efficiency. Instead, install multiple thermostats around the home to enable temperature control on a room-by-room basis. Smart thermostats that can be monitored and controlled by mobile devices are also great, but traditional thermostats can be just as useful for enhancing energy efficiency.
Contact A&C Glazing today for an obligation-free consultation to discuss your window and door efficiency.
