The UK is in the midst of a concerning trend: rising energy costs. According to the latest figures via the ONS, electricity prices in the UK rose by 66.7% and gas prices by 129.4% in the 12 months to January 2023. With prices continuing to climb, it is becoming increasingly important to have a more energy efficient home in order to reduce energy bills and protect against the cost-of-living crisis.
Energy efficiency is key to reducing energy costs. By making simple changes around the home such as installing energy efficient light bulbs, switching off appliances when not in use and sealing any draughts, households can make significant savings on their energy bills. Additionally, installing energy efficient appliances can also help to reduce energy costs.
- Start with the loft – most of the heat that escapes from your home is lost through the roof, so it makes sense to start your insulation project with the loft. You can buy rolls of insulation and lay them yourself, or get a professional to do the job. Whichever option you choose, make sure the insulation is at least 270 mm deep, and check the loft hatch is sealed.
- Check your walls – cavity wall insulation can help reduce heat loss through your walls. It’s a relatively simple job, but you may need professional help to install it.
- Add insulation to your windows and doors – you can fit double or triple glazing to your windows and doors to prevent heat loss. This can be expensive, but it’s a great investment in the long run.
- Seal up any gaps or cracks – air can easily escape from your home through gaps and cracks around windows, doors or in the walls. Use sealant or expanding foam to fill any gaps and keep the heat in.
As the UK moves towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050, it’s becoming increasingly important to reduce the energy used in our homes. We all need to do our part to help reduce our impact on the environment, and one way to do this is to make our homes more energy efficient. Solar shading can be a key part of making our homes more energy efficient and help to reduce energy bills and our personal environmental footprints.
- Solar shading – this works by blocking out the sun’s rays, preventing them from entering the home and heating up the interior. This reduces the need for air conditioning and other cooling systems, which can be a major contributor to our energy consumption. Solar shading can also insulate the home from the cold, helping to keep the home warm in the winter months by trapping heat inside.
It’s also a savvy way to reduce glare and protect furniture and floors from fading due to UV rays. This can help to keep homes look great for longer, which is important, especially if you have expensive furnishings.
In addition to making energy efficient improvements around the home, it is also important to shop around for the best energy deal when looking to switch energy supplier. Different energy companies offer different tariffs, so researching and comparing different suppliers can help households to save money on their energy bills.
For more info or advice about solar shading options for your home, get in touch with our team at Urban Skies today.