Energy Efficient Homes
Most have us good intentions when it comes to our environment, but are we really as green as we think? The short-term cost of improving the energy-efficiency of your home might put you off, but you will save money in the long run, and there are also a surprising number of grants and special offers available to encourage you to start making those eco-improvements which will lessen your impact on the environment, and increase the value of your home.
Typically, half of all heat lost in the home is through walls and floors. Proper insulation could knock up to £200 of your annual bill. British Gas is working with local authorities to encourage people to save energy and money and will install cavity wall insulation at subsidised prices. Each household that invests in cavity wall insulation under a Council Tax rebate scheme will receive a rebate of up to £100 from their local authority.
Most energy companies offer free energy surveys for you and your home. These reports will calculate your energy expenditure and offer advice on how to reduce it. The British Gas Energy Savers Report is an effective way of ensuring you maximise your energy usage. When you move into your new home, if you install a new boiler, you will receive a free energy audit.
You might want to consider energy-saving radiators when making home improvements. They come in a range of designs and will heat your house more quickly. Intelligent heating controls are also a good idea. They can be set to heat up according to the outside temperature, which means you’re only using energy when you need to.
Step into the future with solar panels. These are now available nationally, and produce between 50-70% of your hot water for free by using natural sunlight. They work on cloudy days as well as sunny, so they’re just as efficient in our unpredictable British climate. Solar panels are proven technology, easy to maintain, and may add up to £10,000 on to the value of your home when you come to sell it.
Thermostatic radiator valves allow you to control the temperature in each room, independently of the main thermostat. When the room reaches the desired temperature, the valve turns the radiator down. Another way to make your radiators more efficient is flushing the pipes. An engineer can do this for you, or alternatively you can purchase your own system – such as Powerflush. Flushing the system will improve the performance of your central heating and deal with any cold spots on your radiators. After a flush, the water will heat more evenly, more quickly, and more quietly. This could help reduce your bills. Flushing systems also treat the water to prevent future build-up and corrosion, which will prolong the life of your central heating.
When looking at purchasing a new property, consider every aspect of your potential home. How much will it cost to run? Is it environmentally friendly? Can I make improvements that will increase its value and make it more energy efficient? Keeping a cool, pragmatic head will pay dividends in years to come.
For property searches, visit Fish4.co.uk. British Gas offers advice on eco-friendly new boilers and other energy-saving steps you can take.
