Energy-efficient upgrades for your home

Over the last 12-18 months, energy prices have increased significantly and homeowners are looking for ways to save money on their energy bills by finding ways to improve their home’s energy efficiency. Additionally, by carrying out energy efficiency upgrades, you may also be increasing the value and appeal for potential buyers and you’ll likely improve the comfort when living in the property. In this short article, we highlight some of the common ways to increase your property’s energy efficiency.

Energy efficiency improvements:

• Install insulation to your roof space – The current recommended depth of insulation is circa 300mm. Increasing the insulation is a relatively straightforward improvement and should be relatively cost effective. Budget cost – £200-500
• Replace windows and doors – Dated windows and doors can let out a significant amount of heat. By upgrading your windows and doors to modern double or triple glazed units, you can significantly improve heat retention. Budget cost £4,000-12,000
• Replace older light fittings with energy efficient equivalents – This option is probably the most cheapest upgrade you can do. Although the results will be small, replacing lighting can reduce energy consumption and therefore lower the cost of turning on the lights. Budget cost – £15-30
• Install solar panels – Installing solar panels can significantly reduce your energy bills however there are numerous considerations that must be reviewed before you proceed. The initial cost of installing the panels can be high, and you should seek advice from a professional who will be able to calculate your savings. Additionally, planning permission and building regulations approval will likely be required. Budget cost – £5,000-£13,000
• Replace your boiler – Old boilers tend to lose a lot of heat and are less-efficient. Upgrading to a newer model will result in cheaper running costs and fewer carbon dioxide emissions. Boiler efficiency is rated using letters A-G; a modern condensing boiler typically achieving an A energy rating. Furthermore, The Energy Saving Trust estimates that replacing an old G-rated boiler with a modern A-rated boiler with a full set of heating controls will save you around £340 a year on your gas bill. Budget cost £2,000-£5,000
• Install insulation to your walls – This upgrade will depend on the type of property you have and its construction. Installing insulation to your walls may consist of cavity wall insulation or external wall insulation. You’ll need to consult a professional before undertaking this upgrade as there are several issues that need to be considered. Such as planning permission, condensation calculations and building regulation approval etc. A significant amount of heating is lost through external walls so carrying out this upgrade can make a huge difference. Budget cost – £100-150 per square meter.

If you’re planning on carrying out energy efficiency upgrades we recommend you contact a local professional (architect, surveyor, energy assessor) who’ll be happy to advise you. They’ll also provide guidance along the way and check that all the work is in accordance with the necessary legislation.