How to prepare for an energy-efficient autumn/winter season
As the cooler months set in across the UK, there’s no better time to ensure your home is ready to combat the autumn and winter chill.
Retrofitting an older home with energy-efficient upgrades not only helps to keep it warm, but also reduces heating costs and carbon emissions.
The benefits of an energy-efficient home
A well-prepared home is vital for enduring the colder months, and retrofitting can yield multiple advantages:
- Lower Energy Bills: efficient insulation and heating systems reduce reliance on constant heating, keeping bills manageable.
- Increased Comfort: insulation and draught-proofing retain heat, making interiors cosier without excessive heating.
- Environmental Impact: a more energy-efficient home reduces carbon emissions, helping mitigate climate change.
- Increased Property Value: energy efficiency is a key selling point, with potential buyers looking for cost savings and eco-friendly properties.
Insulation: retain heat for consistent comfort
Insulation is the backbone of any retrofit, preventing heat from escaping and cold from entering your home. Key areas to focus on include:
Loft and roof insulation
Since hot air rises, a poorly insulated loft can cause major heat loss. Adding loft insulation (at least 270 mm of mineral wool or its equivalent) can save hundreds of pounds annually in heating costs. For older properties, consider spray foam insulation, which can also help reduce draughts.
Wall insulation
Many UK homes built before the 1990s have uninsulated walls - options vary based on wall type:
- Cavity Walls: Filling the cavity with insulating material helps retain heat.
- Solid Walls: Although more costly, solid wall insulation (internal or external) is effective for older homes.
Floor Insulation
Insulating ground floors, especially in homes with wooden floorboards, reduces heat loss from below. Rugs and carpets can add a cosy feel and further block cold draughts. Solid floors may benefit from insulation beneath the surface.
Windows and doors: stop draughts for energy savings
Windows and doors are common points for heat loss, especially in older UK homes with single glazing. Enhancements here can make a big difference.
Double or triple glazing
Consider upgrading to double or even triple glazing to significantly reduce heat loss. Newer models are thermally efficient, have improved noise reduction, and may increase property value.
Draught-proofing
For homes with historic charm or rental properties where window replacement may be restricted, draught-proofing can be a cost-effective alternative. Use draught-proofing strips on windows and doors, add keyhole and letterbox covers, and install door sweeps on external doors to block out cold air.
Heating systems: optimise for energy efficiency
Efficient heating not only provides comfort… but also saves on energy bills.
Upgrade your boiler
If your boiler is over 10-15 years old, upgrading to an A-rated condensing boiler could improve energy efficiency by up to 90%. Modern boilers are designed to consume less fuel while providing steady heat, reducing bills in the process.
Install a programmable thermostat
Smart thermostats allow you to set heating schedules based on occupancy, reducing waste when no one is home. Some models can even learn your routine, making automatic adjustments to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient.
Bleed radiators and consider zoning
Bleeding radiators removes trapped air, allowing your system to heat more effectively. To maximise efficiency, you could install thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to control the temperature in each room, creating heating zones.
Renewable energy: generate and save
Adding renewable energy sources to your home not only reduces reliance on traditional utilities but also qualifies you for incentives.
Solar Panels
Though typically associated with summer, solar panels can still generate power on cloudy days. The UK’s feed-in tariff has ended, but the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows homeowners to sell excess energy back to the grid, providing an additional income stream.
Heat Pumps
Air-source and ground-source heat pumps extract heat from the environment, even in cooler temperatures, making them highly efficient for winter heating. Grants under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) can reduce initial expenses.
Water efficiency: cut energy costs through conservation
Reducing hot water usage can lower energy bills and reduce environmental impact.
Install low-flow fixtures
Low-flow taps and showerheads reduce water consumption without compromising pressure, saving on both water and heating costs.
Insulate pipes and hot water tank
Insulating hot water pipes and tanks reduces heat loss, allowing you to use less energy to maintain hot water temperature. Insulation is inexpensive and straightforward, often with immediate results in reduced energy costs.
Lighting: brighten up shorter days efficiently
Winter means shorter daylight hours, so you’ll likely rely more on artificial lighting. Switching to energy-efficient lighting not only cuts electricity costs but also reduces carbon emissions.
LED Lighting
LED bulbs consume up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last longer. They’re a quick and affordable upgrade for homes, especially in high-use areas like the kitchen and living room.
Motion sensors and Smart controls
Installing motion sensors or smart lighting controls allows lights to automatically turn off when not needed. This upgrade is ideal for outdoor lighting and ‘high-traffic’ indoor areas, enhancing efficiency and convenience.
Smart Home Technology: increase convenience and control
Smart home devices are becoming increasingly affordable and can help you to monitor and control energy usage.
Smart plugs
Smart plugs enable you to switch off appliances remotely, eliminating standby power usage. They’re easy to install and can be scheduled for appliances like coffee makers, lamps and televisions.
Energy monitors
Energy monitors track household consumption, providing insights on where you can make further improvements. Some advanced models can even detect inefficient appliances, helping you to identify energy hogs.
Making small changes can have a big impact:
- Close doors to unused rooms to retain heat in frequently used areas.
- Reduce the thermostat by just 1°C - this can cut heating bills by up to 10%.
- Use trickle vents or open windows briefly to allow moisture out, without losing too much heat.
Funding and Grants
The UK government and local councils offer several schemes and grants to help with energy-efficient upgrades, especially for homeowners and low-income families. An example of these are listed below -
- Energy Company Obligation (ECO): Provides insulation and heating improvements to eligible homes.
- Home Upgrade Grant (HUG): For low-income homes not connected to the gas grid, covering a range of upgrades like insulation and heat pumps.
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS): Offers grants for air-source or ground-source heat pump installations.
You can also check the government’s website for the latest information and eligibility requirements.
Carl Dodd, Property Revolutions Ltd.
