However, there is a lot you can do to make your home more energy efficient, cutting costs and helping the environment in the process.
Some of these tips will need an initial outlay, but the reduction in your energy bills should more than make up for this in the future.
Generate Your Own Energy
Fitting solar panels or a small wind turbine to your roof can allow you to generate your own electricity.
Depending on the conditions, this could generate all the energy your need to run your home, essentially reducing your energy bills to zero. If the set up generates more electricity than you require, the excess can even be sold on - allowing you to make money while you power your home.
Using solar or wind energy will also dramatically reduce your carbon footprint, cutting down on dangerous CO2 emissions.
Improve The Heating System
Traditional central heating systems generally use more energy than is required to generate a comfortable temperature.
That is because the one heat source (the radiator) has to be heated to a fairly high temperature to heat the entire room. This type of heating also uses air circulation, which means the ceiling is heated first.
If you put underfloor heating in place, the overall temperature can be reduced, while retaining the same level of comfort.
That is because there is not one single heat source. Instead the entire floor space would be heated. Underfloor heating also uses radiant heat rather than air circulation, which means objects in the room are heated, with the coldest surfaces heated first.
With traditional central heating, the highest objects are heated first.
Reduce Heat Loss
If you look at a non-insulated home with thermal imaging equipment, you will see a huge amount of heat loss. A lack of insulation means you are effectively paying to heat outside, rather than heating your home.
This can easily remedied.
Cavity wall insulation and, if you have an attic, loft insulation, will dramatically reduce heat loss. As well as saving you money, this will allow you to reduce the temperature of your thermostat. In turn, this will save you more money.
You can also reduce heat loss by installing double or triple glazing. This will also reduce noise from outside, creating a more comfortable and pleasant environment.
Advantages of Running an Energy Efficient Home
Obviously, improving the energy efficiency of your home will save you money. It will also reduce the use of natural resources, helping the environment.
In addition, some steps - such as installing underfloor heating - can improve the aesthetics of your home. Removing radiators can give you increased storage space as well as a more flowing living space.
Improving the energy efficiency of your home may have benefits you have never even considered.
