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Is Your Home Ready for Winter, Energy Efficiency Tips You Can Start Today

Date added: Tue 08 Oct 2024

As the colder months approach, homeowners across the UK start preparing their homes to withstand the chill of winter. However, many overlook the impact that inefficient energy use can have on their utility bills and the environment. Ensuring your home is ready for winter not only means staying warm but also saving on energy costs and reducing your carbon footprint.

At The Natural Energy Company, we believe in helping you make your home as energy-efficient as possible. Here are some actionable energy efficiency tips you can implement today to keep your home cosy without breaking the bank.

 

1. Insulate Your Home

Proper insulation is the first step toward creating a more energy-efficient home. Poorly insulated walls, lofts, and floors can allow up to 35% of your home’s heat to escape, forcing your heating system to work harder. To fix this:

  • Loft insulation: Adding insulation in your loft can reduce heat loss significantly. Insulating the roof space helps keep the warm air in and cold air out.
  • Wall insulation: For homes with cavity walls, insulating them can cut heat loss by up to a third. If you have solid walls, external or internal insulation can also be a great option.
  • Floor insulation: Insulating your floors, especially ground floors, can reduce draughts and heat loss.

 

2. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows

Windows can account for a large portion of heat loss, especially if they're old or single-glazed. Double or triple glazing helps trap heat inside while keeping the cold out. The upfront cost might be high, but the long-term savings on your energy bill will make it worthwhile.

If full window replacement isn’t an option, installing thermal curtains or window films can be a budget-friendly alternative to help reduce heat loss.

 

3. Service Your Heating System

Your heating system is vital to keeping your home warm during winter, but a poorly maintained system can waste energy and pose safety risks. If you have a heat pump, ensure it’s serviced annually to maintain peak efficiency. Additionally, keep the outdoor unit clear of debris like leaves, branches, and snow, as any obstruction can impact its performance. Regular maintenance not only improves energy efficiency but also extends the lifespan of your system, saving you money in the long run.

Looking to get your heat pump serviced before winter? Get in touch with our sister company Air Sourcery to book your service in today: https://www.airsourcery.co.uk/

 

 

4. Use your thermostat to your advantage 

Smart thermostats are another way to enhance your heating system’s efficiency. They allow you to control the temperature in your home remotely and set schedules that match your lifestyle, helping to cut down on unnecessary energy use.

With our Daikin heat pumps, we install a smart Daikin thermostat that pairs effortlessly with the Daikin app on your mobile phone, giving you full control over your energy usage from anywhere. Whether you're at home or on the go, you can easily adjust settings, monitor performance, and optimise your system for maximum efficiency and comfort.

 

5. Seal Draughts Around Doors and Windows

Draughts are one of the most common ways heat escapes from homes. Check for gaps around windows, doors, and other openings like letterboxes or keyholes. You can use:

  • Draught excluders for doors and windows.
  • Silicone sealants around window frames.
  • Foam strips around door edges to block cold air from seeping in.
  • Draught-proofing can reduce heat loss by up to 15%, making it one of the simplest and most affordable ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

 

6. Install Solar Panels for Renewable Energy

While the sun may seem scarce during winter, installing solar panels can still be a viable long-term energy-saving solution. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels can generate electricity even on cloudy days. Over time, you’ll benefit from lower electricity bills and contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing your dependence on non-renewable energy sources.

For even greater benefits, consider pairing your solar panels with a battery storage system like Powerwall. This allows you to store excess solar energy that would typically be sent back to the grid, giving you greater control over your energy use. It also enables load shifting—your battery can charge from the grid during off-peak hours when rates are lowest, allowing you to use stored energy during peak times. This strategy maximises both efficiency and savings, making your home even more energy-independent and cost-effective.

 

7. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting and Appliances

As the days get shorter and darker, we rely more on artificial lighting and household appliances. Switching to LED bulbs can save you up to 75% of the energy used by traditional incandescent bulbs. Additionally, when it comes to appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators, opting for energy-efficient models with a high Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating can reduce your overall energy consumption.

 

8. Maximise Natural Heat Sources

While it may be cold outside, the sun can still be a valuable heat source. During the day, keep your curtains or blinds open to let in sunlight, which can naturally warm your home. As soon as the sun sets, close the curtains to trap the warmth inside.

 

9. Consider a Heat Pump

A heat pump is an excellent alternative to traditional heating systems. Air-source and ground-source heat pumps are highly efficient, using electricity to move heat from the outside air or ground into your home. They can work even in low temperatures, making them ideal for winter. Plus, the UK government offers grants and loans up to a total of £15,000 to help cover installation costs, making it a financially viable option.

Find out more about funding available here: https://www.homeenergyscotland.org/home-energy-scotland-grant-loan

 

10. Monitor and Reduce Standby Power

Many electronic devices continue to draw power even when they’re turned off, a phenomenon known as “phantom power.” Use energy-saving plugs or smart power strips to completely cut off power to devices that are not in use. This can help reduce unnecessary energy consumption over the course of the winter.

 

11. Embrace Water Use Efficiency

In colder months, you may take longer, hotter showers, increasing both water and energy usage. Installing a low-flow showerhead can reduce water usage without compromising on comfort.By using less water, you also reduce the demand on your heating system, leading to energy savings and lower utility bills—an easy upgrade that benefits both your wallet and the environment.

 

Conclusion

Installing renewable technology is just one of many ways to reduce energy bills this winter. By combining renewable systems like heat pumps, solar panels, and battery storage with additional energy efficiency measures, you can significantly lower your energy costs. While we understand that investing in renewable technology may not be feasible for every household, there are still plenty of low-cost strategies you can adopt to see meaningful savings this winter. Even small changes, such as improving insulation, draught-proofing, and optimising your heating system, can make a big difference in your energy use and expenses.