With energy bills on the rise (and staying there for the forseeable future), it’s time to start thinking about how to adapt. We’ve rounded up the most effective measures you can put in place to reduce your energy usage - both in your home and your rental investment.
1. The cost-of-living is going through the window, not the roof!
It’s no secret that all properties lose heat through their windows, and with most homeowners opting for floor-to-ceiling and bay windows, you could be losing a serious amount of heat in the winter months. The best thing you can do to combat this heat loss is opt for double glazing. These are windows that have two panes of glass with insulating gas in between - a design that prevents heat being lost from a room while also preventing cold air from entering.
Yes, it’s not a small task and can be costly, but given that double glazing lasts for about 20 years, the investment will give you major long term savings on your future energy bills.
If you live in an older property, you may also be getting draughts through dated window frames. Depending on your budget, it may be time to replace these windows with a more energy efficient option.
Or for a more economical solution to draughts, draught excluders are inexpensive and easy to install.
2. No spoiler – but the problem could lie with your boiler
Are you having your boiler regularly service? You may think it’s an unnecessary expense, but it could benefit you massively in the long term. Part of a boiler service includes checking how efficiently your boiler is running – the more efficient, the less energy it uses. Not only that but regular maintenance means your boiler lasts longer and a break down is less likely – saving you a potential £3000 replacement bill.
3. Make the switch on your appliances
Appliances aren’t a cheap investment, we get it. But if you do have the ability to spend a little more on energy efficient versions of major energy-using appliances like the washing machine or fridge, then you could save hundreds on your yearly bill. Sometimes the energy hungry appliances that appear cheaper at the time end up costing you more long-term – so it may be worth considering taking a look at your current appliances.
4. Let there be LED light!
A more obvious solution – but so many people seem to miss this! LED bulbs use more than 75% less energy than incandescent lighting. Again, yes, they are more expensive, but the same rule applies here - spend a little more in the beginning for long-term savings. There is a reason why LED lighting is now the go-to product in new homes – they are much more efficient and they last a lot longer.
5. Keep the flow low
In the average home, the hot water heater is responsible for about 17% of the total energy use – so reducing your water usage is a good idea to reduce bills. Why not consider fitting flow limiters to your taps? Or if you’re in the process of refurbishing your property - look out for designs that have flow limiters built-in. Reducing the amount of water you use means less energy is used to heat it, resulting in a lower energy bill!
