How to make a home more energy efficient

As more Britons look to reduce their own impact on the environment by going green, leading an eco-friendly lifestyle is increasingly becoming the mainstream, one writer has asserted.

 

Indeed, writing for the Times, Francesca Steele stated that one of the main motivations driving this sea-change is the fact that an over reliance on utilities is something which is now negatively impacting households, with gas and electricity bills rising and Ofgem warning that the country may have to brace itself for energy blackouts in the years to come.

 

The energy watchdog has also asserted that utility bills are likely to rise in price by 60 per cent by 2016, which could be an added financial burden many Britons feel they will simply not be able to stretch to.

 

"It's enough to make you turn off the lights and the heating and hole up on the sofa in a sustainably-produced dressing gown to watch Kevin McCloud's Grand Tour on repeat - unless there's a blackout," said Ms Steele.

 

So just what can consumers do to ensure that their energy bills do not leave them struggling to make ends meet?

 

She explains Kevin McCloud, presenter of Channel 4's Grand designs, is set to fund the development of 42 eco-friendly homes in Swindon, which may inspire homeowners that going green is increasingly coming into vogue.

 

In the spirit of the Energy Saving Trust's Energy Saving Week - which kicks off on October 19th - Ms Steele offers people a number of tips to make sure their own homes are not needlessly wasting energy and adding to the UK's carbon emissions.

 

The first step is to boost insulation, both in lofts and cavity walls, which she claims will allow central heating to do a more efficient job as heat will not be lost through the walls or roof of a building, resulting in the average annual energy bill dropping by £250.

 

Following this, the next step, according to Ms Steele, is to purchase some form of renewable energy technology.

 

This could be a ground or air source heat pump or a set of rooftop solar panels, both of which can give traditional central heating systems a boost.

 

It has previously been reported that the government hopes to soon allow people who produce their own power using renewable energy technology to sell any they do not use back to the National Grid. In addition to this, as the appliances mean that households are no so reliant on fossil fuels, utilities can be significantly reduced.

 

Ms Steele reminds homeowners that no matter what their budget, there will be some green improvements they could make to their home. She suggests that bathroom suites could receive a boost with the addition of an eco-shower head to ensure that less water is wasted.

 

Meanwhile, radiators in all rooms, whether they are vertical, designer or traditional, can also be made more efficient with a little bit of DIY know-how.

 

"You could also add a magnetic foil strip to the back of your radiator to make it more efficient. But don't forget to close your windows," she notes, as heat from radiators can be swiftly lost if windows are left open. Should people feel their homes are too warm, it could be both more economical and environmentally-friendly to turn down the central heating thermostat a couple of degrees, than to open a window.

 

Indeed, the Energy Saving Trust recommends turning down the thermostat by one degree Celsius to save £60 on annual utility bills.

 

Roger Hunt, co-author of Old House Handbook, tells the Times: "The bottom line is that eco homes can make a difference to the homeowner. They are cheaper and more comfortable to live in. They will also help the entire population to become more energy secure, so that we can worry less about unsustainable sources running out."

 

All this plus the promise of lower energy bills may prompt Britons to go green sooner rather than later.

More From Energy Efficiency in the Home
Why energy efficiency matters
Energy efficiency appears to be increasingly becoming a buzz word on people's lips, with everyone from politicians, to journalists to musicians informing Britons of the benefits of going green.
(3 Dec 2009)
Queen looks to low-carbon Britain
Britons may wish to take steps to make their homes greener, such as by purchasing a new condensing boiler or renewable energy technology including solar panels and ground source heat pumps as even the Queen is now looking to encourage the UK to become more energy efficient.
(18 Nov 2009)
How to make a home more energy efficient
As more Britons look to reduce their own impact on the environment by going green, leading an eco-friendly lifestyle is increasingly becoming the mainstream, one writer has asserted.
(2 Nov 2009)
Could a loan make a home greener?
Britons keen to go green but concerned about the costs involved in carrying out such home improvements may soon find that help is at hand.
(21 Sep 2009)
Ground source heat pumps are a 'popular investment'
Renewable energy technology, such as air source heat pumps, biomass boilers and solar panels, are becoming increasingly popular as Britons look to do their bit to lower their carbon emissions and help prevent climate change.
(15 Apr 2009)
Government action on fuel poverty 'vital'
The government needs to take steps to offer vital support to the thousands of families and households in the UK currently being affected by fuel poverty, one sector commentator has claimed.
(2 Mar 2009)
Go green this Valentine's Day
With the UK in a recession and the credit crunch continuing to bite, romance may be the last thing on the mind of many Britons.
(12 Feb 2009)
Snow reason to panic?
It may be said that there is nothing Britons enjoy discussing more than the weather, with summer heat waves, winter cold snaps, gale-force winds and flooding regularly making the headlines several times each year.
(7 Feb 2009)
Dimplex Air Source Heat Pumps
(26 Jan 2009)
Tackle energy bills before the winter's out
After weeks of rain, grey skies, howling winds and even snow in some parts of the UK, it may finally feel as though the beginnings of spring are finally in the air.
(22 Jan 2009)
Articles Related To How to make a home more energy efficient
How to make a home more energy efficient
As more Britons look to reduce their own impact on the environment by going green, leading an eco-friendly lifestyle is increasingly becoming the mainstream, one writer has asserted.
(2 Nov 2009)
Government 'must do more to make homes energy efficient'
The government must do more to make existing properties more energy efficient, it has been claimed.
(22 May 2007)
Make a resolution 'to buy new boiler'
Britons have been advised to make one of their new year's resolutions for 2010 the purchase of a new and more energy efficient boiler.
(4 Jan 2010)
'Plan ahead' for next winter
The recent winter cold snap may have persuaded UK homeowners they need to make an additional effort to create an energy efficient and warm home, which could include upgrading their central heating.
(12 Jan 2010)
Energy efficient boiler 'coming to market'
A boiler that has proven to be energy efficient in the commercial sector is set to make an appearance in the domestic market, it is reported.
(8 Sep 2009)
Going green 'not just for the rich'
Installing energy efficient technologies in the home should not be limited to the wealthy, it has be
(12 Jan 2007)
MP looks to green building standards
One UK MP has pledged to put millions of pounds towards carrying out further research into the best ways to make domestic properties more energy efficient, it has been revealed.
(26 Nov 2009)
Caring for the energy-efficient home
New research has revealed that energy-efficient properties in the UK may be at an increased risk of burst pipes during the cold snap in the UK this winter.
(8 Jan 2009)
Is it time for a new boiler?
As the winter approaches, consumers may wish to ensure they have their boiler serviced to make sure it is in good working order, or purchase a new model, which could be more energy efficient.
(10 Sep 2009)
Honeywell and Vaillant drive up home's energy efficiency
An expert in energy-efficient technology has recommended Honeywell's home heating systems for their effectiveness.
(4 Apr 2008)
testimonials

I'm emailing to thank you for the way in which you dealt with my order so quickly.

I had ordered my Myson Kickspace from another company who couldn't deliver within my short timescale but Lee managed to source one and get it to me today - that's within 24 hours!

I am very very impressed with your service and couldn't recommend you highly enough. Don't forget to give my special thanks to Lee!
M Lawson
testimonials
your basket shopping basket
You have no items in your basket.
rapid order
code qty  
Google Checkout Accepted Here

Price Beater
 



Follow Us On Twitter

Myson

bestsellers
 
 
Central Heating Controls
latest reviews
ALPHA CD35C HE CONDENSING GAS COMBI BOILER
"Far far better" than a Worcester or Vaillant equivalent!!!!! ...
Reviewed on 05 Mar, 2010 by Si
Rating nostarnostarnostarnostarnostar

ELECTRIC TOWEL RAIL 400X800 CP CHROME STRAIGHT
electric towel warmer 400x800 cp chrome...
Reviewed on 26 Feb, 2010 by m travis
Rating nostarnostarnostarnostarnostar

FERNOX TOTAL FILTER TF1 22MM
Have to laugh at the JohnBoy's post about it being plastic, Ive been using plastic speedfit, and pla...
Reviewed on 21 Feb, 2010 by Nigel Purdy
Rating nostarnostarnostarnostarnostar

ROBINSON WILLEY WARMPLAN XX STD TEAK GAS (EXC FLUE) HEATER
I would really recommend this company to you. We bought a 1960s studio flat as a buy to let with a ...
Reviewed on 16 Feb, 2010 by Isobel Platings
Rating nostarnostarnostarnostarnostar

FERNOX F2 EXPRESS BOILER NOISE SILENCER 265ML
Took but a moment to use and onother moment to silence the kettling noise in my boiler.It does what ...
Reviewed on 13 Feb, 2010 by Chris Wood. Ongar
Rating nostarnostarnostarnostarnostar

all product reviews...
Newsletter Signup
Name:
Email:

Follow Us
Follow Us on Facebook
Follow Us on Twitter
Watch Us on Youtube
See Us on Flickr
RSS Feed
 

Export

BHL home pagecontact BHL
search bhl
search bhl