What are the best ways to improve energy efficiency at home?
You may have heard that the energy price cap has been reduced as of the 1st of October, with the Energy Saving Trust stating that “annual energy bills for a typical dual-fuel household paying by direct debit will be around £1,923. That’s a reduction of around £151 a year, based on the current price cap unit rates.”
Chief Executive Mike Thornton says that “energy prices are still high” and that “a key priority must be to support individuals to use less energy in their homes to start with”.
If you’re keen to reduce your fuel consumption, here are several ways you can improve energy efficiency at home.
Cavity wall insulation
One of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency and cut heating costs is to invest in cavity wall insulation. Typically, this type of insulation is made from mineral wool, polystyrene foam, or polystyrene beads that help trap warm air and stop it from escaping.
It can be costly to install though, so whether this is the right solution for you will depend on your budget. According to Check a Trade, the average price for cavity insulation in 2023 is around £1,800 for a mid-terrace, £2,700 for a semi-detached and £3,200 for a detached property.
Expanding foams
Did you know that a “typical house loses 10% of its heat through the windows”? This is why it’s important to ensure that your windows are performing well. Products such as expanding foam, also known as insulation foam, can be used to create an airtight seal around your window frames and sills.
Most of these foams are rot-resistant and repel moisture, making them an effective way to reduce heat loss around windows. Expanding foams are wallet-friendly too and can be applied using a spray can, handheld nozzle or applicator gun.
Radiator reflector panels
Want a cheap and cheerful way to cut your energy use? Then radiator reflector panels may be the right solution. Typically made from aluminium, these thin sheets of metal can be fitted to the wall behind your radiator. They are most effective on solid external and unfilled walls.
So how do they work? Put simply, the panels reflect the heat from the rear of the radiator into your room, instead of the heat being lost through the wall. They are a very cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency in your home.
Roof/loft insulation
If you don’t already have loft insulation, this is a great way to keep heat inside your home. It’s typically sold in rolls and is usually made from either fibreglass, sheep’s wool, hemp or phenolic foam.
It’s relatively easy to install and is said to “save you an average of £150 per year” in energy bills. When estimating costs for loft insulation, make sure you factor in labour, materials, accessibility and the size of your space.
There are many ways you can improve the energy efficiency of your home as we head into winter. From cost-effective options like expanding foams and reflective radiator panels to bigger insulation projects in the loft or walls.
We recommend seeking advice from a professional tradesperson to find out which methods will be best for your home.
