We have all been told that we need to make our homes more energy-efficient and the media, press and government are constantly going on about it.
You’ve listened to them and bought a few energy-efficient light bulbs, but how energy efficient is your home, with or without a few energy-saving light bulbs?
Let’s start at the top of your house, grab a torch and go up in your loft. Check your loft insulation thickness; ideally, foam loft insulation should be no less than 290mm. While you’re checking that make sure the insulation covers the whole ceiling, look out for gaps where it meets, check for damp areas and make sure there are no bird or rodent nests in the insulation. 20% of the heat in your house is lost through a roof that is not properly insulated.
Although expensive, solar panels on your roof can really help to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Let’s now have a look at your hot water and how you’re keeping it hot. If you have a hot water cylinder make sure it has a wrap on it. Also make sure your hot water pipes are insulated. Upgrading your boiler to a condensing boiler can help you save up a third on your heating bills.
If you don’t already have good quality double or triple insulated windows then you could be losing up to 18% of your homes heat through them, look into upgrading them if they are not of good quality and only single glazed.
Check your washing machine is energy-efficient, for example, front-loading washing machines use less water and energy. Whatever washing machine you have, make sure it has a good energy star rating.
33% of heat is lost through un-insulated walls; if your home has cavity walls then it is recommended that you get them insulated to make your home more energy-efficient.
And now down to the very bottom of your house, bear in mind 11% of your heating is lost through the floor. If you can get under your house then check the insulation covers the whole underneath of your home, especially those rooms which are inhabited, uninhabited rooms are not so important.
If the insulation is foil then check it is not torn or dirty, there are no visible gaps, it’s joined together by overlapping or self-adhesive tape and it’s not coming loose.
If it is bulk insulation then make sure it’s 50mm in thickness, there are no gaps or damp patches. Ensure there are no rodent or bird nests in the insulation and make sure it’s properly sealed and not coming away anywhere.
If you have read this and have some concerns of how energy efficient your home is then maybe you need to consider looking into arranging an EPC assessment to determine how energy efficient the property is.
Contact ASE EPC assessors to arrange yours or speak to one of our experienced energy assessors for some free advice.