How to Make an Older Home More Energy-Efficient
Old homes exudecharacter and charm, but they aren’t always the most energy-efficientproperties to live in. In fact, owning a period property could be moreexpensive than you thought. Not only are there renovation and maintenance coststo consider, but you also need to be aware of your home’s energy efficiency andwhat it could be costing.
As well asdraining your bank balance, you also need to make sure your home is a safe andcomfortable place for you and your loved ones to live. Poor energy efficiencycan lead to damp, mould and other issues that could affect your health andfinances.
The good news isthat you don’t have to resign yourself to living in an inefficient home, nomatter how old your property is. These tips will help you reduce the C or ° ofyour energy bill and live a more environmentally responsible and comfortablelife.
Keep the doors closed
The best way toconserve heat and therefore energy in your home is to heat it at night and keepdoors closed during the day. It is also important to open curtains and drapesto allow window glass that has been warmed by sunlight to warm the room – acompletely free way to add heat to your home.
It goes withoutsaying that you should keep lights off and electrical devices unplugged ratherthan leaving them on standby when you’re not home, but many people make thesemistakes. It can be tempting to leave lights on to give the illusion thatsomeone is home and improve the security of your building, but you’d be muchbetter off installing an alarm or double lock than racking up more expenses onyour energy bill. Remember: small changes are essential to maintaining energyefficiency in your home.
Change toilets, faucets and shower heads
While originalfeatures may look beautiful, they are not always the most efficient.Considering that some period properties are over a hundred years old, it standsto reason that an old tap may leak, or that a decades-old toilet may notefficiently flush.
Poorlyfunctioning bathroom features are not only frustrating, but they will also costyou more money in the long run than modern replacements. Upgrading your sinks,toilets, faucets, and showerheads to energy-saving equivalents could save you77% on your water bill. So, not only will you enjoy a more enjoyable shower,but you’ll also have more money in your pocket to show for it.
If you’reworried that modern features will look out of place in your home, tryvintage-looking bathroom pieces. You can have all the functionality of a modernbathroom without compromising the character and style of your home.
Improve your hot water system
Insulating yourhot water lines is the most efficient way to improve your hot water system andwill prevent them from cooling down quickly and reduce the need for reheatingbetween uses. It is also advisable to use low-flow shower and bath fixtures andtry to limit yourself (and the rest of the household) to one bath or shower perday each.
Replace your light bulbs
Replacingincandescent light bulbs with LEDs is the cheapest and quickest way to improveyour home’s energy efficiency. LED bulbs are more expensive than traditionalones, but you can make some substantial savings in the long run.
It doesn’t makeeconomic sense to change your light bulbs while they still have life left, sowait until they burn out before replacing them. You can find LED strips foryour bathroom vanity light, your lamps, and your ceiling lights to ensure anenergy-efficient home.
Replacing window frames or glass
Old windows tendto be the biggest drain on household energy as they are generally not wellinsulated. Upgrade your single glazing to double glazing or replace windowframes entirely if they are leaking or rotten.
If your framesare aluminum, replace them with vinyl, as these are more resistant to heattransfer. Window tinting can also make a big difference in the interiortemperature, both during the summer and winter months.
If you live in aperiod property, you will need to be careful when replacing windows. You need tomake sure that the style of replacement window you choose is compatible withthe design of your home. It is not advisable that you try to install thewindows yourself, so hire a reputable company to replace windows to ensure thatthe job is done properly.
Solar panels
The initialoutlay for solar panels is expensive, but it can save you a lot of money in thelong run.
If your budgetcan stretch to replacing the power source in your home, you could save hundredsof dollars a year on energy bills by going solar. Panels should be positionedto capture the most sunlight, which is especially important in regions wherecloudy days are more frequent than sunny ones. Alternatively, geothermalsystems can be installed almost anywhere.
Insulate your attic
Making sure yourwalls and attic are well insulated will reduce the rate that heat flows out ofyour home, and keep you warmer for longer. It’s a good idea to ask an energyauditor in your local area to come and do an inspection of your home, asinsulation will only improve your energy efficiency if it’s installed properly(and this usually means professionally). This is an area where it’s worthconsulting an expert. Other things you can do to improve your home’s insulationinclude adding more furniture, using insulating window seals and curtains, andopting for carpeting instead of bare floors.
Planting trees and shrubs
The fact thatlandscaping can improve a home’s efficiency is an unknown fact to many, buthomes surrounded by trees are the most efficient. During the warmer months, thefoliage blocks infrared radiation that heats your home, while the branches letthe radiation through during the winter and protect it from winds. Of course,this only has a minimal effect, but when it comes to energy conservation, it’sthe small details that add up to the best results.
Learn now how to use your appliances efficiently
One of the bestways to minimize your energy consumption is to know your appliances and howbest to use them. Wash full loads of laundry in the washing machine and don’trun the dishwasher until it’s full. Modern appliances often have energy-savingsettings so you can use them, too. Remember to turn off your electricalequipment when it’s not in use, especially if you’re going on vacation orleaving home for a few days. There’s no benefit to keeping them plugged in, andeven standby modes use a lot of unnecessary energy.