New houses are built to strict standards. These include guidelines on environmental impact and energy efficiency. It’s better for your wallet and for the environment.
Of course, many homes were built years ago and don’t benefit from the same level of energy efficiency. The good news is that you can transform your old house into an energy-efficient one surprisingly easily.
1. Surveying
The first thing you need to do is have an electrical survey done, including thermal imaging services. This will help you to date the electrics and confirm they are still safe.But, it will also help you to identify electrical leakage. In simple terms, bad circuits can cause you to drain electricity into the ground. While it is unlikely to cause you a safety issue, it will increase your energy usage.
Locating electrical leakages will allow you to get the problem resolved and save yourself money while saving the environment.
2. Replace Light Bulbs
It may seem like a small thing but replacing your light bulbs can make a significant difference to your energy usage. Incandescent bulbs should be replaced for CFL or LED ones. These newer bulbs are o longer expensive but they will save you money.As an example, if you have 25 bulbs in your home and pay around 11 cents per kilowatt-hour, you’re likely to save $20 a month with CFL and as much as $23 with LED bulbs!
3. Water Appliances
It’s time to replace your toilet! Older toilets generally use 7 liters of water per flush, modern toilets use just 2liters but are just as effective. That’s a significant saving on your water bill and an easy way to make your home more energy-efficient.You’ll also find the same is true for dishwashers and washing machines, newer versions use significantly less water. That’s good for your energy efficiency and the environment. After all, water is likely to become scarcer in the future.
4. Replace Windows And Doors
Double glazed, or even triple-glazed windows and doors are much better at keeping the heat in. That means you won’t need to spend as much on keeping the house warm during the winter months.You’ll also find that older doors and windows are more likely to let draughts in around them, making the heat loss even more severe.
Replacing them is surprisingly straightforward. The cost of replacement can be off-set against the savings in energy costs. You may even be able to qualify for a grant.
Insulation
Perhaps one of the best ways of transforming the energy efficiency of your home is to add insulation in the loft and even in the walls. There are plenty of companies that can help you get the best quality insulation fitted. The difference in the warmth inside your home will be impressive.It can also help to keep your house cooler in the summer!
These small changes are going to make a huge difference in your energy usage and make your old house as energy efficient as a new one.
