As Britain strives to meet ambitious carbon reduction targets in time for 2050, here’s some top tips for improving energy efficiency from home improvement specialists P&P Glass.
Last year, the UK committed to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
In other words, we’ve got thirty years to drastically reduce the amount of pollution we produce.
So how can we as homeowners do our bit – and save money too?
Here are our top tips.
Say goodbye to standby
Let’s start with the cheapest and easiest contribution you can make – turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby.
We’re all guilty of leaving chargers plugged in, and TVs and other devices with the little red light showing rather than turning them off at the wall – and it all adds up.
Getting into the habit of switching things off at the plug is an extremely easy way to start making a difference.
Alternatively, there are now high-tech plugs you can remotely turn off and on with your phone – or you could use a cheap timer plug to automatically turn off appliances at night.
Embrace smart technology
Another high-tech innovation helping thousands of homeowners save money (and the environment) is the smart thermostat.
Essentially, smart thermostats cut down your energy usage by only heating the rooms you’re using.
Over time, they learn your habits, and heat particular areas of the home at the times you usually use them. Again, many of these devices can be controlled by mobile phone.
Invest in energy–saving appliances
Energy-saving technology has come a long way in a very short space of time.
An appliance you bought just five years ago will likely be heavily outclassed on the energy efficiency front compared to one manufactured today.
Replacing your ageing dishwasher with a more modern, A+++ rated one is one example of how you can cut both your energy bills and your carbon footprint.
The principle is the same for any gas appliances – upgrading to more modern and efficient models can make a real difference.
Turn down your thermostat
We all like to come back to warm, welcoming homes after a long day at work – especially in Winter. But many of us probably have our heating set to a higher temperature than we really need it to be.
The Energy Saving Trust recommends heating your home to between 18 and 21 degrees, and the World Health Organisation cites 18 degrees as the ideal home temperature for healthy people.
Turning your heating down just one degree could save you as much as £80 a year!
Invest in energy-efficient windows and doors
As much as 40% of the heat in your home is lost through doors, windows and the floor – and that means one of the most effective ways of cutting both your heating bills and your carbon footprint is investing in energy-efficient replacement products.
Much like the household appliances we mentioned earlier, window technology has come a long way in a relatively short amount of time, meaning that a modern double or triple-glazed window will offer vastly better energy efficiency that ones that were installed twenty years ago.
And sustainability might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to choosing a front door – but they can make a difference, too.
At P&P, for example, we offer a range of superbly insulating entrance doors available in a vast array of contemporary and traditional styles.
It’s a very stylish way of helping ensure your home is fit for 2050!
Want to find out more? Call P&P Glass on 01483 467250 or visit www.pandpglass.co.uk
