How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
It is becoming increasingly apparent of the benefits to be gained by implementing energy efficiency in your house.
As per the UK government According to the government of the United Kingdom, 37 percent of UK emissions are derived from buildings and homes which contribute to climate change as well as damaging the environment.
From the negative effects on the environment to potential financial savings The path to an eco-friendly home has never been more appealing.
We’ll discuss all the ways you can improve the efficiency of your home and how much it could cost and how it will enhance your home.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are considered to be an investment that will last for the amount of time they will provide. They convert the sunlight into electrical energy which you can then use for powering your house, and save you substantial energy and money.
Of course, there are many varieties of solar panels, but fret not! We’ve covered them in the following paragraphs!
Monocrystalline
These solar panels are typically regarded as the “premium” solar panel due to their elegant design and higher efficiency.
They are constructed in these solar panels through making one silicon bar by cutting it into “wafers” which is why it is single-cell or mono, and hence monocrystalline.
It’s also the most efficient since it provides more space for electric current to move. These panels come with a stunning appearance and look that’s popular with many.
The lifespan of these panels is typically about 25 years, but when maintained properly, they can outlast their expected lifespans.
Polycrystalline
Similar to monocrystalline, polycrystalline comprises multiple pieces of silicone. This provides less space for the movement of electricity, which makes the process less effective.
While polycrystalline panels are less efficient, they’re also more affordable to purchase. These panels come with the blue hue rather than the black appearance of mono, and are expected to last for at least 25 years.
Thin-Film: Amorphous Silicon Solar Panels
Amorphous silicon, also known as A-Si solar panels aren’t crystalline solar panels that are made by making use of multiple layers that form a fine layer composed of photovoltaic materials.
The potential of the development of new solar cells is highly acknowledged in the solar industry however, they are only 3 percent of solar panels are currently utilized, this figure is expected to grow in the coming years. There are a variety of reasons why the a-Si panels are gaining popularity.
They are, first of all, light and flexible, which makes them adaptable and suitable for use in any house. Additionally, they are constructed from low-cost materials like plastic and glass, which makes them less expensive for consumers.
They are not as affected by the shady conditions and their efficiency is exceptionally high in all weather conditions.
Concentrated PV Cell
Utilizing the identical (slightly altered) photovoltaic technology that they use in their a-Si equivalents, concentrated solar cells make electricity from sunlight by using an optical system that is designed to concentrate large amounts of sunlight on individual cells, thereby increasing their effectiveness.
Like a-Si panels this technology is touted for its future solar panelling and its efficiency ratings are enormous.
Solar Tiles
Solar tiles are tiny solar panels made to resemble roofing shingles for people who do not like large panels. They operate the same way that conventional panels do and there are a variety of varieties available from different manufacturers.
Due to their tiny dimensions, they aren’t able to provide the same efficiency as bigger panels. However, they’re an excellent one step towards the right direction for people who are looking for a carbon-free house.
The cost of a solar tile or solar panel is contingent in the total size. This table will allow you to help you understand how much a system could cost and how much it will save you over the course of a year.
| System Size | Estimated Costs | Number of Panels | Roof Space | Annual Electricity Bill Savings |
| 3kW panel system | £5,000 – £6,000 | 12 | 22 m2 | £160 |
| 4kW panel system | £6,000 – £8,000 | 16 | 29 m2 | £270 |
| 5kW panel system | £7,000 – £9,000 | 20 | 32 m2 | £320 |
| 6kW panel system | £8,000 – £10,000 | 24 | 43 m2 | £430 |
There’s also a thing known as an SEG or Smart Export Guarantee. This guarantees that any extra energy that doesn’t get used is returned to you at a predetermined price. There are also grants to help the initial costs of installing solar panels.
Insulation
Insulation stops heat from leaving your home and keeps the cold out. It is an the cheapest option to put in place at home, but is often ignored.
Here are the essential points of insulation that can help in the greening of your home.
Cavity
This kind of insulation can help to prevent heat from passing into the wall cavity around your house, keeping the temperature in your home, and also preventing wall drafts.
The cavity is formed between the inner and outer brickwork with the insulation typically glass wool or rock polystyrene beads, or polyurethane foam.
The price and savings will vary according to the size of your home however, for semi-detached homes the cost of insulation is usually about £475 and a savings approximately £150 each year.
Loft
It’s estimated that 1/3 of your heating costs are loss through the roof. This puts an immense cost to your pocket. The UK government states that you can save 20% off your electricity bills by having an efficient loft insulation.
The insulation is positioned on the loft’s floor and usually consists of glass, the rock wool or brown cellulose, or the quilted mineral wool.
Loft insulation can mean that you will reduce the use of your boiler and you will be able to save money as well as reducing emissions from the process.
The typical cost for loft insulation in a semi-detached house is approximately £300 and a savings of £135 annually on heating costs. Also, the savings of 550 kg carbon dioxide that is released into the air.
Thermally Insulated Renders
Thermally insulated renders are wall coverings for external walls that aid to conserve heat within the house. They are ideal for homes which are typically cold.
It is possible to save on your behalf by around 50% through reducing the loss of heat in walls. The different providers use various materials for the insulation. Their prices vary widely, which means you’ll always get a custom estimate based on the service along with the dimension of the house.
Energy Efficient Windows
Energy-efficient windows consist of multiple glass panes in a sealed unit. They are supported with a sturdy frame made of either wooden or plastic.
The sealed unit serves as insulation by blocking the heat from entering via the window, and by not letting air leak through and also by allowing natural sunshine and warmth in.
There are two types of energy-efficient windows and we’ve provided a detailed explanation below.
Double-glazing
Double-glazed windows, as their name suggests, have two glass panes within the unit, which are typically 16mm apart, which creates an insulation seal.
Between the two panes it’s usually lined with glass argon to help its heat-producing properties in the sun.
Triple-glazing
Triple-glazed windows cost more than double-glazed ones due to the added insulation properties resulting from an additional glass pane inside windows.
It’s identical to double-glazing, but offers a higher level of insulation.
Frames
Concerning frames uPVC frames are able to be reused and don’t require any periodic maintenance, therefore they are a preferred choice for a lot of people.
Frames made of wood have a less environmental impact, but they do require an extensive amount of maintenance to ensure that they aren’t damaged.
It’s difficult to determine which one is the best one for your home So here’s a quick description of the elements of financials for each:
The price of installing triple or double-glazed windows into your house is contingent on many factors including the design of windows that you want, the quantity of windows you need and the energy efficiency rating of the windows, and how large you need windows.
The average price is between PS200 and PS400 per window. This gives you an estimate.
The amount of savings you can make in heating your home will depend in the energy efficiency the windows have. For instance the installation of double-glazed windows in a typical semi-detached house can save between £85 and £70 annually.
Exterior Doors
The British government has introduced legislation in the month of October in which it was stated that all new composite doors should have U-Value of 1.8W or greater.
The U-Value refers to the quantity of heat escaping from the exterior doors. It is therefore essential to make sure your doors are energy efficient to not only save money but also the environment but also to stay secure from any penalties or fines.
Many companies offer energy-efficient doors and they’re typically made of hardwood softwood, uPVC composite, or aluminium. If there’s an opening at the door, this is double or triple-glazed to ensure that no heat escapes.
Every door comes with an energy-efficiency rating which will let you know how much you could save every year.
Energy-Efficient Heating
Heating that is energy efficient has increased in popularity over the past few years, particularly since more options are now readily available.
Energy-efficient heating can not only save the planet through burning less fuel but it also can help you save a significant amount of money on your fuel monthly bill.
Energy Efficient Boilers
Old boilers consume a substantial amount of fuel in running your hot water and heating systems. It is because of their age as well as the limited technology that was available at the time of installation.
But, new boilers are designed to be more efficient and use less fuel, and generally better for the environment as well as your pocket. Additionally, you’ll enjoy the advantage of a longer warranty as well as government grants to pay for the purchase of a new boiler.
With no help from grants the cost of a new boiler typically costs approximately £2,000, however it can save you around £165 annually for a semi-detached house.
Energy Efficient Radiators
Energy-efficient radiators are among the most effective upgrades you can do to transform your home into an eco-friendly house.
There’s a wide range of choices available with a variety of styles and designs but the most sought-after choice is dual-fuel radiators.
Dual-fuel radiators come with switches that let you run them with the boiler’s gas or electricity.
This is ideal for putting the radiator in just one space, with no requirement to power the remainder of your home. You will save on energy bills while also aiding the environment by burning fewer fossil fuels.
Smart Thermostats
The control smart thermostats give is sufficient to be a positive benefit on its own however, there is an array of benefits to pursuing.
You can check the amount of fuel that your home uses anytime, and with plenty of options to turn the heating off or on while away from home, and this can assist you in deciding where in your home you should improve energy efficiency.
Smart thermostats are available on their own or as part of smart home bundles, and prices can vary. For a standalone thermostat you’ll be paying around £150 but you must check with the service provider to find out whether your house is eligible to receive one.
Energy-Efficient Lighting
In the UK There are two primary kinds of lightbulbs that are energy efficient, CFLs, also known as Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) as well as LEDs or Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).
Both choices are affordable and won’t cost a fortune to put in your home. They’re also adaptable which means they can be used with the majority of your existing fixtures.
LED’s are definitely more sought-after because of their higher efficiency. They can also save you approximately £40 annually by putting them in all your lighting fixtures.
Appliances
A common issue that homeowners overlook is the energy efficiency of appliances in your home.
If you buy new electrical equipment for your house, they’ll indicate the efficiency of their products using a system of grading that ranges from A+ to A to. This will let you know the amount of power used and, as a result, how much energy you’re paying and burning.
Appliances such as clothes dryers are known to be expensive to operate and are best avoided by other non-electric solutions such as laundry lines and clothes maidens.
If you’re buying things such as toasters, microwaves, refrigerators and more It can be tempting to go with cheaper alternatives However, these alternatives can cost you more over the years considering the ongoing expenses.
To reduce the burden on your wallet and the planet, take a closer look at the energy efficiency ratings for the equipment you purchase and think about making a small investment to get eco-friendly versions of similar products.
Incorporating an energy-conscious attitude in your home isn’t easy, and takes a long time to master.
But, by constantly evaluating the way your home runs and seeking out advice on ways to improve the environmental sustainability of your house You will reduce not just a substantial sum of cash, but can also help the environment as well.
It is possible to look over some of the savings derived from every aspect of this article and believe that it might not appear to be an amount, but in reality, the savings of around £40 per year using LED bulbs, paired with cavity and loft insulation, could cost you approximately £250 in a year.
Include energy efficient appliances, radiators, and solar panels and your annual costs will be reduced significantly. Take a look at our other posts to get more tips on how you can turn your home into a sustainable paradise.
