How to create an energy-efficient home

More and more homeowners in the UK are becoming energy conscious due to the looming
consequences of climate change and soaring energy prices. A survey found that energy efficiency was more important for 74% of British homeowners and a home’s efficiency rating was a big consideration when looking for a new house.

Being conscious of your energy usage has many perks, including making you some serious savings and getting the most out of what you’re paying for. But if you don’t plan on moving soon, don’t worry. There is plenty you can do to make your home more energy efficient and to reduce those energy bills that don’t cost an arm or a leg.

What is energy efficiency?

It’s a word you’ve probably heard before, but you’d be surprised by how many people don’t know
what energy efficiency encompasses. GOV.UK describes energy efficiency means reducing the
amount of energy you use to perform the same task or produce the same results. It’s central to
increasing the comfort in our homes whilst reducing our energy consumption and reliance on fossil
fuels.

It’s estimated that UK households could save £10bn a year by making energy-efficient home
improvements. Here is what you can do:

Insulate

Uninsulated homes lose a large portion of their heat through the walls on every side so adding
insulation is the best way to get the most out of the energy you’re paying for. This is the same case
with your flooring, roof, and loft if you have one. Without appropriate insulation, you’ll struggle to
keep your home warm and waste your hard-earned money trying.

Smart meters

When you can see how much energy you’re using and understand where you can cut down, you’ll be
able to make some changes. Having a smart meter installed is a great way to keep on top of your
carbon footprint and lower your bills. Not only will this have a significant environmental impact but
lowering the cost of your utilities can even help you boost your credit score.

Appliances

It’s easy to forget to turn an appliance off after use or to leave it on standby but you’re wasting a
mountain of energy by doing so. You could invest in a standby saver – a bit of kit that can
automatically cut off power when it has gone into standby mode.

Green energy

You can go one step further to reduce your home's reliance on fossil fuels by switching to green
energy. You can harness the power of the sun by having solar panels fitted. This can help you heat
your home more effectively in the winter and they have a high return on investment.