Energy-efficiency is a major concern for homeowners, businesses, and governments alike. The UK government’s ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 is being worked toward via a raft of initiatives. In Wales, the Innovative Housing Programme recently granted £9.5 million to retrofit 1,000 homes owned by social landlords and councils. 

But waiting for government intervention isn’t necessary; energy efficiency is its own reward. Let’s look at a few ways in which homeowners might improve their property’s energy efficiency.

Upgrade the Boiler

An old boiler will need to consume much more gas to create the same amount of heat. Swap it out for something new, and you’ll save considerably in the long-term. Make sure that your boiler is covered against premature failure.

Replace Double-Glazing

Over time, the seals around double-glazing will fail, and its insulating capacity will fade. Swap it out for a new window. If you’re in an older property where double-glazing isn’t practicable, you might install secondary glazing instead. This is like an extra sheet of glass installed behind the window itself.

Replace Draughty Doors

Over time, an older wooden door will warp, allowing gaps to form around the edges. Block these with compression strips, or replace the entire door with something more modern. As well as improving energy-efficiency, this will also confer security benefits.

Fill Gaps Between Floorboards

In older properties, gaps between floorboards will allow cold air to easily circulate. Eliminate this problem by plugging the gap.

Switch Supplier

Different energy suppliers charge different rates. Many of us could save big by making a switch – and the only reason we don’t is laziness. Services like Uswitch make the process easier – but all you really need to make a transition is to research your options and pick up the phone.

Switch Lighting

Don’t replace old light bulbs with halogen – it’s vastly more expensive to run. Get a nice, bright LED bulb instead. It’ll pay for itself within a few months.

Review Heating

Your heating system might not be performing optimally. Are the radiators heating up? If not, it may be that they need to be bled – or that the entire system needs to be drained and refilled.

Install Heat Pump

A ground source heat-pump is a device which draws heat from the ground and uses it to heat your property. This is a major operation, and an expensive one, but it’ll keep your property warm in the long-term while slashing your costs and reducing your energy consumption.

Insulate Loft

As heat rises, it’ll mostly escape through the loft. Make sure that you have a generous layer of insulation up there to prevent it from doing so. You can sort this yourself, or pay someone to do it for you.

Install Solar Panels

Solar panels take energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. As well as powering all of the thigs in your house, solar panels might also help you to charge and electric car overnight. Panels are far more efficient than they once were, and they’re practical even in the rainy UK!