We all know how important it is to feel comfortable in our own homes. And as much effort as you may put into making your home look the part, when it comes to comfort, temperature regulation is one of the most important factors in making a house a home. Unfortunately, improving your heating system typically comes at a cost. But understanding the best investments to make that will offer the most benefits will help you to enhance your home’s energy efficiency without it costing you the world. Here are three things you can do.
Upgrade your home’s insulation
It’s no secret that your insulation has a major impact on your home’s temperature regulation qualities. It’s a common misconception that faulty insulation only hamper’s your home’s ability to keep the heat in. However, it’s also important in the summer, since good insulation can keep your space cool for longer by limiting the amount of external heat that enters through the walls and windows.
It’s estimated that £1 in every £4 spent on heating homes in the UK is wasted as a result of faulty insulation. Fortunately, for the eco-conscious homeowner, there are plenty of suitable materials that can be used to regulate your home’s temperature without compromising your property’s eco credentials. Materials like sheep’s wool, cork and cellulose are becoming increasingly popular choices, so if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint while also boosting the energy efficiency of your space, keep these options in mind. Ultimately, any effort you make to improve your home’s insulation will help your energy to go further, but using organic materials offers obvious eco benefits on top.
Install underfloor heating
There are a lot of myths about underfloor heating (UFH), not least around the cost and its energy-saving capabilities. However, compared to radiators, underfloor heating systems have the potential to boost your home’s energy efficiency by up to 25%. While there is an initial cost to consider, UFH is typically cheaper to run than conventional radiator systems, meaning you can actually save money on your monthly bills while also benefiting from a more efficient setup.
The two types of UFH are electric and warm water systems. There are pros and cons to each, so if you are considering upgrading your home’s heating apparatus, it’s important to understand which will suit your needs best. For instance, electric systems generally have higher running costs, but they’re far easier to install. Whereas water-based systems are more expensive and disruptive to install, but will be better at heating larger spaces more efficiently.
Utilise smart technology
Smart tech is making it easier for residents to manage the energy efficiency of their homes, and subsequently, their bills. When it comes to heating and cooling, smart thermostats are becoming increasingly important in modern properties. Not only do they allow you to control your system remotely, but they can also learn your daily routines to automate your home’s heating schedule.
Different companies make their own claims about how much money and energy their smart thermostats can save you. While the evidence remains inconclusive, these handy gadgets have the potential to benefit you in both areas in the long-term, especially when you pair your thermostat with good energy-saving lifestyle habits.