When done properly, insulation is a really effective way of making your home more energy efficient. Insulation saves energy through its air-trapping properties. The advantages are that your home will be cooler in summer, and warmer in winter, and that you will be able to regulate the temperature in your home more closely without using as much energy. Hot and cold air has a harder time escaping through insulation, which is normally installed in your walls.
2. Double glazing on your windows
This is the same principle as insulation. It stops air escaping though your windows. Replacing your windows altogether is almost never efficient, glazing is a better option.
3. Trees and shrubs around your home
Trees and shrubs are great for the environment in general-they have the capacity to reduce the CO2 in the air, which is a pretty magical property. They also are able to keep things cool in summer, by providing shade. Plant them around your house and windows to keep the temperature down in the warmer months. Planting things like herbs, tomatoes, and other culinary plants will also reduce your carbon footprint by a small amount, by eliminating the need to buy those things form shops.
4. Solar power
We all know about the potential of solar power, it can save you so much money as well as energy. Most governments have a subsidy or buy back system for solar energy. Check to see if you’re eligible for a rebate
5. Energy efficient systems
This means electricity, heating and cooling systems. If you use a system that was installed over ten years ago, look into the possibility of replacing it with hydraulics. Avoid refrigerator air conditioning, it’s the biggest energy guzzler of all the air conditioners, which are already big energy guzzlers. Look at your oven and you kettle. Those two are the worst culprits in the kitchen.
6. Getting rid of incandescent globes
7. Replace them with fluorescent ones throughout your home
8. Get an energy audit
Sites like Save Central can do a little bit of this work for you, by comparing energy pricing and efficiency. By getting someone into your home and inspecting your energy use is great, because things that you never would have considered inefficient can be pointed out to you.
9. In the meantime, use the energy rating efficiency system
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