Guest Articles >> Alternative Energy

DIY Methods for Making Your Home More Energy Efficient

The combination of rocketing fuel prices and the colder than normal winter have meant many people are looking for ways to improve the energy efficiency of their properties and cut down on future bills. There are lots of practical DIY steps that you can take as a homeowner to do this.

Firstly, check out the Energy Saving Trust’s website to see if you qualify for any help or grants. Financial help may be available for installing cavity wall or loft insulation, replacing an old, inefficient boiler or even putting in solar panels or wind turbines. Grants depend on variables including where you live, the age or your house and whether you are in receipt of any government Benefits.

If you’d prefer to try to save energy by taking your own steps, the first thing to consider is loft insulation if appropriate. All large DIY stores sell loft insulating products, including the easy to use rolls which are simply laid between the beams in the loft. If your loft has no insulation at all, installing 270mm thick insulating products can save you £145 per year. Even if you already have some insulation, it is worth considering increasing the thickness of it.

The other easy thing to do is try to block any draughts coming into your house and making it feel colder. Products used vary according to where the draught is coming in, but include foam self-adhesive strips to use around window frames, metal keyhole covers, draught excluders for placing underneath doors and expanding foam for filling holes in masonry. Although keeping draughts out will save money, it is vital to have sufficient ventilation in your property, especially if using an open fire. Never block up wall vents or extractor fans.

Installing double glazing is another measure that will save you large sums of money, up to £135 per year if going from single to double glazed units. Although the initial outlay can be expensive, the windows won’t take long to pay for themselves. Many window and door makers publish data about how energy efficient their products are, so ensure you choose one with a high rating to maximise your savings.

Energy saving light bulbs are very easy to install and are an inexpensive way of decreasing your energy consumption. On average, each energy saving bulb will save you £2.50 per year; if you add up all the bulbs in the house this could add up to quite a lot of money over the year. Energy saving bulbs last much longer than regular bulbs and over the life span of the bulb the saving could be as much as £45 per bulb.

Finally, and most simply, ensure that things are switched off when you are not using them. Each item left on standby could be costing you £3 per year, and surveys have found the average household has 12 of them. Make sure to switch off lights, electric showers, computers or TVs when they are not being used, and make sure to unplug your mobile charger after it’s fully charged up.

About the Author

Guest blog post provided by fastlec.co.uk. Fastlec have been selling electrical supplies online since 2003. 

Disclaimer:

The above guest post is published based on the premise that it will be helpful and informative. The opinions made within it are those of the author and not of sunnyray.org. The links you may find within this post do not necessarily imply our recommendation or endorsement of the views expressed within them.

Comments:

Electrical Supplies says:
01-18-2012

With the ever rising price of household utilities today, this is top advice that all home owners should take as a means to make sure they are doing their bit for the environment. This is also a great way to reduce their own bills, day in day out.

jacobo says:
01-10-2013

If you are interested in learning exactly how to generate power and reduce your bill then this is the perfect resource for you

Velda Vaught says:
12-16-2013

This crazy 56 year-old geography teacher in Memphis, Tennessee
believed he can change the energy world... and somehow he did it.

Check it out at:
https://goo.gl/JLMJ9g

Your Comment: