article image

3 Energy-Efficient Retrofits for a Cosy Home and Lower Bills

Many people have been forced to reduce their heating use and cut their budgets due to the ongoing cost of living problem.

Many people in 2022 became painfully aware of how much heat was leaking through their walls or windows, resulting in a cold and less comfortable home, as a result of the significant increases in energy expenditures.

It doesn't have to be that way, though, and by making a few small adjustments, you might increase the cosiness of your home while also saving money.


As homeowners strive to make modifications that would save them money and also aid in the fight against climate change, retrofitting has been on the rise and is expected to take off in 2023.

Retrofitting is the act of making one or more changes to an existing structure in order to increase its energy efficiency. 

Such modifications may significantly affect a property's capacity to retain heat and, consequently, the dreaded figure on your energy bill.

By raising your property's Energy Performance Certificate rating, improving your energy efficiency can also increase the value of your asset.

Here are three suggestions to get your retrofitting juices flowing, but remember to consult a competent specialist before making any major alterations.

Wrap your home - Installing retrofit wall, floor, and roof insulation is one option to increase the energy efficiency of your building this year. 

This entails using insulating materials to make a space more airtight, which will decrease the flow of heat as a result. 

Such work eventually better protects people sheltered inside from frigid breezes outside and lessens the need for you to raise the thermostat by helping to maintain heat inside your home.

There are many different insulation options to take into account, and although the first work is costly, the overall advantages of increased energy efficiency and decreased heating expenses frequently surpass the initial financial impact. 

We advise that you first have a certified surveyor assess your property, go over your alternatives, and have any work installed by a licenced professional.

Combat draughts – We have all, at some point, overheard someone request that a door be closed because of a draught. 

Sadly, it's not so easy because draughts frequently enter our home through minor holes. 

Draughts not only make you uncomfortable but also run up your energy costs.

However, there are several quick and simple things you can do to help draught-proof your house. 

Draught excluders made of fabric, like those found in many high-end home stores, can help prevent cold air from seeping in through cracks at the bottom of interior doors. 

Similarly, you can instal a pivoting cover over door key holes. 

These little, straightforward steps to combat draughts can have a big impact when taken all at once. 

Additionally, keeping the cold air from leaking in by closing the doors to any rooms that are not in use.

Replace your appliances - Lastly, replacing your appliances with energy-efficient alternatives is a simple but frequently ignored option to remodel your home. 

Even if it's ingrained in many of us to turn off a light after using it, LED lightbulbs can still improve the energy efficiency and consumption of your home. 

When it comes time to replace something, like a washing machine, do your research on the market first and look for the product with the highest energy efficiency rating; newer appliances will use energy more efficiently and help you save money over time, even though it might not be cost-effective to replace all of the technology and appliances in the home.

Another popular new device is a smart plug, which allows you to turn off linked appliances with a few touches on your phone.

This cutting-edge technology, which can be purchased for as little as £20, may perform wonders, especially for those of us who lead active lifestyles or are simply forgetful.

Another popular new device is a smart plug, which allows you to turn off linked appliances with a few touches on your phone. This cutting-edge technology, which can be purchased for as little as £20, may perform wonders, especially for those of us who lead active lifestyles or are simply forgetful.




You can also find out how much your property could be worth on the current market by checking out our free and instant online valuation tool. Please bear in mind that this data is automatically generated. If you would like to have an in-depth, personalised valuation with one of our property experts, please don't hesitate to contact us on 020 7723 5645 or pop into our local Fraser & Co office for a friendly chat.
 

Source:
 

LandlordToday