With the need to conserve energy due to climate change and the ever-rising cost of our bills, we’ve put together some simple energy advice to help you keep the heat in, the cold out and save you some money.
Half of what you spend per year on energy bills is heating and hot water for your home, so having a boiler that is efficient makes a huge difference. You may think your boiler is functioning perfectly, but they become less efficient the older they get – meaning more fuel is used to heat your home. A new boiler may not be as expensive as you think, and the savings that you recoup can be impressive, so it is certainly worth considering if you have the means to do so.
Homeserve’s boiler replacement guide provides information on how a new boiler can improve your homes energy-efficiency along with lots of other helpful details.
Up to 11% of your monthly energy usage comes from lighting your home, therefore it's beneficial to get into good habits to prevent energy wastage, such as turning off lights in rooms you are not in, and switching off garden lights that are not needed. You can also reduce your energy consumption by changing your light bulbs to more efficient LED bulbs.
Draughty windows and doors can be a source of heat loss, especially wooden doors which can expand and contract through changes in temperature and climate. To prevent this, consider fitting draught strips to the frames of doors or use draught excluders. If possible, replacing a door will help with the conservation of energy in your home. Using a thick pair of curtains will also help prevent heat loss through your windows and therefore save money on your bills.
You can find further information along with potential cost savings on draught-proofing via the Energy Saving Trust.
If you have an older home with solid brick wall construction, external wall insulation (EWI) is one of the best ways to improve the thermal efficiency of your home. Solid wall homes will lose as much as 45% of heat through untreated walls, and any measures to make heating
systems more efficient are made less effective as heat will still escape. Installing EWI can offer annual savings of between £195 and £930 according to research by the Energy Saving Trust.
EWI makes it possible to insulate a hard-to-heat home by fitting insulation to the outside of your property. The benefits of having this installed include:
EWI improves the walls’ thermal inertia and limits heat loss. This improves the indoor comfort, reduces heating costs, and limits CO₂ pollution.
Heat loss through the walls of a home can cause damp, which can lead to the degradation of paint and plaster, wallpaper coming unstuck, and potentially, the development of mould. Even worse, damp found inside the home can also contribute to respiratory problems. Having a properly insulated home limits the effects of condensation and can help tackle these issues. Your home will be cooler in the summer, and warmer in the winter – a win-win.
Noise pollution can be bad for our health and well-being. One way to cut down on disturbances such as traffic noise from outside is to install an EWI system – a quieter home is a more comfortable one.
Adding EWI to your home is also a great excuse to rejuvenate its appearance. Investing in your home will pay off in the long-run, as a well-insulated and thermally-efficient house is more attractive to potential buyers.
EWI systems are built up in several layers. The insulation board itself can be any one of a number of options which are each suited to different projects and their requirements. You can find an in-depth look at the options here.
After fixing the boards to the wall, the system is built up using multiple coats which will include:
If you want to keep the traditional character of your home, you can even choose a brick-effect finish.
If you think EWI is the right choice for you, we can help you find the right contractor for the job. Get in touch with us and we’ll connect you with your local Weber Recommended Applicator. You can also explore our EWI case studies here – to really get a feel for what the finished product will look like.
Here are some useful links for financial support and initiatives that may be of interest.
UK - Energy Saving Trust
IRELAND - Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland