When most homeowners start thinking about renovating their homes, they don’t usually think about making energy efficient upgrades that are beyond what is required by building regulations. Installing some energy efficient upgrades like draft-proofing or insulation will not only reduce the amount of mold or damp in your property, it will also keep your home warmer and reduce your energy bills.
Adding these upgrades in parallel with other work being done on your property could be less hassle and more cost effective than employing a tradesperson to come in at a later date and alter what you’ve already had installed. Below are some of the simple things you can do to help you plan ahead and give you advice on which jobs can be joined together. You could even attempt to do some of the work yourself, saving you a bit more money.
1. Insulation
If you’re having an extension added to your property you need to make sure it’s insulated to the correct standards. Many buildings have little or no insulation; if this is the case, then talk to your builder about which insulation will work in your property. If your property has cavity walls, then a layer of insulation can be placed straight into the cavity. For homes that have solid walls, there are other options available. You could have insulation placed on the inside of your property or on the outside. If you are having an extension and the rest of your property needs insulating, then having it completed at the same time will ensure your property is more aesthetically pleasing.
External insulation is brilliant at making your home warmer, and as long as you ensure there is enough ventilation in the property, it can also help alleviate damp and mold. Adding insulation to your property can reduce energy bills considerably as you won’t need to have the heating on as often.
2. Lighting
Approximately 15% of a household electricity bill is used for lighting. So, it’s a great idea to think about installing energy efficient lighting when you make changes to your property. The most efficient light bulbs are LEDs. LEDs have come a long way since they were first produced; they are now much brighter than they used to be, come in a variety of different colors and color temperatures, and are now built to fit almost any light fitting. If you’re on a budget, then change one light at a time. Simply work out which lights are used most often and change these first.
3. Renewable Energy
If you’re planning a large-scale renovation of your property and you know that your home improvement work will require scaffolding, then this would be the perfect time for you to install solar panels. A huge part of the cost of installing solar panels is the scaffolding. By combining it with other work being undertaken, you will be able to cut costs. Solar panels work best on roofs that are south-facing and have a pitch of approximately 30 degrees.
If you’re thinking of installing solar panels in your house, then it is also a great idea to look into battery storage too. Semper Solaris are a well-known company in California who install solar panels and batteries for you. The batteries will store unused electricity until you need it which will allow you to cut down on your energy costs.
4. Heating Upgrades
Adding an extension to your home will usually mean that you will need to improve your heating system – this could be by installing new radiators or installing underfloor heating. A larger, more powerful boiler may also be required if you are trying to heat a larger area. If this is the case, then look into boilers that are more energy efficient. Most boilers that are over 12 years old are very inefficient and more expensive to run.
Boilers are usually placed in kitchens, so if you are thinking of installing a new kitchen, it is important that you plan ahead. If you choose not to install a new boiler, and you build a brand new kitchen around the existing one and the boiler breaks, you will have to replace it with one that fits in the space where your old boiler was, or you will need to move your new kitchen around to fit a new boiler in. This could affect the overall look of your kitchen. It’s a good idea to look at the pros and cons of installing a new boiler. That is why it is important that you read this boiler installation guide. If the one you have currently is old and inefficient, then it might be a wise idea to install an energy efficient alternative whilst getting your new kitchen installed.
Another great tip is to avoid using electric heaters or other similar items. Electricity is the most costly heating fuel, which means it would work out more expensive in the long term to keep heating your property with these instead of installing a new boiler.
5. Windows and Doors
When choosing new windows and doors, it’s a great idea to look at which ones are the most energy-efficient. As well as ensuring your doors are draft-proofed, you could also choose triple glazed windows and doors, which will not only keep the heat in your property, but it will also reduce outdoor noise. Installing A++ double glazing can save you approximately $100 a year compared to a similar house that has single glazing!
6. Kitchens
Many people choose their kitchen appliances because of their aesthetic appearance. However, it is a great idea to make sure that not only do your appliances look great, but they are also energy efficient too. Choosing energy-efficient appliances can save you a lot of money on your energy bills.
7. Bathrooms
If you’re planning on renovating your bathroom, then make sure you look out for energy-efficient products that will reduce the amount of water used in your household according to Keep The Water Flowing. For example, you could choose a shower head that aerates the water more which will reduce the amount of water used without it having an impact on the quality of your shower. A water-efficient shower head could save a normal 4-person household approximately $200 a year on water and gas bills. If you are on a water meter and are wanting to save a bit more money, then consider installing a low-flush toilet. These toilets use up to one liter of water less on each flush.
You may decide that you want to change the heating in your bathroom when you start your renovation. You could install underfloor heating, or a towel rail instead of the conventional radiator. Make sure that whatever you have installed is accessible and easy to use, and it’s always a great idea to ask your heating engineer how to use them so that you can control it better.
Two of the biggest bugbears for homeowners are cold rooms and lack of storage. 40% of people worry that they will not be able to afford to keep their homes warm over the winter period. If this is the case, then it’s a great idea to install some energy efficient products for your property. There are lots of different options available from installing cavity wall insulation to installing an energy-efficient boiler. Have a look around your house to see what you can do to save yourself money in the long-term.
