Articles – Sustainability

How to Make My Home More Energy Efficient

With the high cost of living, many UK property owners are delaying or minimising central heating use this winter. While this seemingly drastic measure cuts short-term bills, however underheating your property poses serious risks, not only to health but also to the structural integrity of your home itself.

Why Heating Your Home Is Crucial

Maintaining adequate indoor temperature is not just about comfort; it is vital for preventing property damage and ensuring your home's longevity:

  • Preventing Freezes and Bursts: Consistent low temperatures significantly increase the risk of pipes freezing and ultimately bursting, leading to major water damage that requires costly emergency restoration. Check out our guide on 5 Ways to Spot a Frozen or Burst Pipe This Winter.

  • Controlling Moisture: Heating prevents the conditions necessary for damp and mould growth. Cold surfaces combined with moisture lead to condensation, which encourages mould, a serious contaminant requiring professional help.

  • Structural Health: Proper heat circulation prevents rapid temperature swings and condensation, reducing the risk of deterioration to building fabric.

  • Health Assurance: Maintaining warmth minimises the risk of cold-related illnesses for you and your family.

Maximising Efficiency

To reduce your energy spend without compromising your property's safety, leverage heating controls for precision:

Thermostats 

  • Prevents overheating by automatically shutting off the system when the set temperature is reached. 
  • Install a smart thermostat to remotely manage temperature and allow the system to learn your usage patterns for optimisation.

Timers 

  • Ensures heating only runs exactly when required, eliminating wasted energy.
  • Program the system to activate for short periods: e.g., one hour before you wake, one hour before you return home, and turn off one hour before bed.

Cylinder Thermostats 

  • (For non-combi boilers) Regulates the hot water tank temperature to avoid overheating.
  • Set the tank thermostat to the recommended efficiency range, typically 60°- 65°, to save energy without sacrificing hygiene.

Central Heating Optimisation

Ensure your gas central heating runs at peak performance:

  • Bleed Radiators: Fix cold spots (trapped air) to restore heat circulation.

  • TRVs: Use Thermostatic Radiator Valves to set lower temperatures in unused rooms.

  • Boiler: Consider replacing older models for significant long-term savings.

  • Caution: If turning a radiator off, monitor the room for damp and freezing risk.

Electric Heater Use

Use electric heaters strategically, as they are costly:

  • Portable: Use sparingly and for short periods in small, targeted spaces. Choose models with good energy ratings and built-in timers.

  • Fixed: Gas wall heaters are the most efficient electric option, suitable for chilly areas like hallways.

Finding the optimal balance between property protection and cost reduction may take adjustment. By using smart controls and prioritising system efficiency, you secure your home's structural health while keeping utility costs under control.

 

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