How to Be Energy Efficient How to Be Energy Efficient In previous posts, we’ve discussed the best standalone heaters for your home and outlined the many benefits conveyed by using electric heaters and radiators. In this article, we’d like to help you maximise energy efficiency in your home or place of work. Why be Energy Efficient? For the Environment In today’s eco conscious world, where the focus is on minimising the use of fossil fuels and moving to green energy sources such as wind and solar farms, it may be tempting to think that one day energy efficiency maybe won’t be such an issue. However, the seasonal nature of these very energy sources and the fact they’re so contingent upon weather conditions will always place pressure on manufacturers to produce the most energy efficient appliances and heating products. This very fact also means that consumers should look to adopt energy efficient practices, ensuring they use the minimum energy for maximum output. To Reduce Household Spending Being energy efficient translates to using less energy, which can only mean one thing. Whether you use electricity, gas, oil or even a wood burner to heat your home, using less energy to live in your desired environment will mean lower bills. Which means cost savings, and more money in your pocket. How can you be Energy Efficient? Here are some ways in which you can do your bit to be more energy efficient – not just for the environment, but also to reduce your household spending: Replace your Boiler According to official figures, nearly 70% of energy use in our households goes towards heating. As newer and more energy efficient models hit the market, upgrading your old boiler for an energy efficient condensing boiler will definitely save on energy use and reduce your monthly bills. Indeed, upgrading from a G- to an A-rated boiler can significantly improve efficiency, saving you upwards of £200 per year. Go Electric If you’re considering upgrading your boiler, then why not look to move away from a traditional gas boiler and install a new electric heating system? Not only is electric heat 100% efficient, but each unit runs independently so you have optimal control over the temperature within each room of your house. Use Secondary Heating If replacing your whole heating system isn’t an option, then consider running it on the lowest setting possible, but supplementing the heat in individual rooms using electric heaters. These are a great means to boost the heat in rooms and zones of your house or place of work. Some models also come with smart technology, allowing you to warm areas before you’re home. Install New Glazing If you’re struggling with the noise pollution and cold draughts from single pane windows, then it’s time to upgrade to double glazing. Not only will double glazing keep the heat in, but it will also reduce condensation and insulate your home from external noise. When it comes to glazing, it’s also worth considering making maximum use of external light, by going more open plan and relying less on artificial light, or using light wells in dark hallways and corridors. Another point concerning lighting, given that 15% of annual electricity usage goes on lighting, think about only having the lights on in the rooms you use. Also, replace your bulbs with energy efficient LED bulbs. Insulate your Loft Within our homes, 25% of heat can be lost through an uninsulated loft. By installing loft installation, you can minimise this heat loss and save yourself £120-£225 per year. It typically costs less than £400 to insulate the loft in a detached property, and given that loft insulation lasts for up to 40 years, this energy efficiency tip will pay for itself many times over. Install Cavity Wall Insulation Walls are another great source of heat loss, accounting for a staggering 35% of heat loss from your home. Filling your walls with cavity wall insulation will shield your home, saving you £70-£255 a year. Install Solar Panels Solar panels offer an excellent means by which to not only generate your own power, but also to sell it back to suppliers, via the SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) which came into effect this year. Although the initial outlay can be high – up to £8,000 – solar panels can supply 40% of a household’s power. They also work even when it’s cloudy so are perfect for the UK market, and over time will not only save you money but you’ll also be doing your bit for environment. Power Down We’ve already alluded to this in point 3, but use the minimum power possible to meet your needs. This means turning your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting – the WHO recommends a slightly chilly 18°C but the Energy Saving Trust advises a more realistic setting of 18-21°C. Additionally, don’t leave appliances on standby; on average, this can cost households £50-£86 per year. Replace Appliances Old appliances, just like old boilers, will have lower energy ratings and as a consequence have far lower energy ratings. This means higher energy usage and higher bills. Maintain and Service Regularly service boilers, heaters and appliances to ensure they’re working optimally and at their most efficient. This includes annual services for boilers and regularly descaling kettles and irons. Install a Smart Meter Smart meters not only feed your meter readings directly to your energy supplier, which means no more tedious readings, but they also provide real-time data on your energy usage. This means you can accurately monitor your daily usage, and specifically pinpoint where savings can be made. Switch Suppliers There are over 60 energy suppliers in the UK, and a vast array of tariffs on offer, so it pays to shop around and switch if a better deal is on offer. For the most up- to date deals, go to Uswitch. We hope that’s given you some good ideas to improve the energy efficiency of your homes – or place of work. For help finding the best energy efficient electric radiators and electric heaters, then contact us on 01252 560770. Alternatively, you can email us on enquiries@electricheatingexpert.co.uk and one of our expert team will get back to you.
