How an energy efficient home saves you money long term
Originally published 21 December 2020. Some figures and rules have since changed, including the Green Homes Grant which has since closed - see our latest guides.
Many people see energy efficient home improvements as a nice-to-have. But efficient measures in the home are an investment. You make the money back many times over by reducing your energy bills for good.
Government funded energy efficient home improvements
At the time of writing the government was running the Green Homes Grant, which provided up to £5,000 towards efficient measures (£10,000 for low-income households), with you funding around a third of the cost. This scheme has since closed, so check current schemes before planning work.
What measures could be funded?
- Loft insulation
- Cavity wall insulation
- Floor insulation
- Room in roof insulation
- Air source heat pumps
- Solar thermal energy
- Heating controls
- Double glazing
- External doors
A new boiler
The Energy Saving Trust estimates the average home saves around £340 a year when changing from an old boiler to an A-rated boiler. A-rated boilers waste less than 10% of energy, compared to 30% wasted by G-rated boilers, a loss of £30 for every £100 of energy bill.
Loft insulation
Around 25% of the heat in your home is lost through the roof. Insulating your loft or attic reduces this heat loss and the cost to heat your home. Loft insulation lasts up to 40 years and saves money every single day.
Windows
Double glazed windows save between £100 and £120 per year and help rooms feel warmer and less draughty. Double glazing is something buyers and surveyors look for if your property goes on the market.
Alternative home heating
More homeowners are turning to alternative ways to heat their homes. Solar heat panels and air source heat pumps are better for the environment and mean you are no longer at the mercy of energy prices. Generating heat from the air and sunlight saves hundreds of pounds a year.
What is the best way to create an energy efficient home?
Combining a few different measures to create and conserve heat is the best approach. There is little point spending a lot on a replacement heating system if the house is old and draughty, where the money may be better spent on insulation first. The way to find out is to have a survey carried out by a home heating advisor.
If you would like to talk to us about making your home more efficient, our team is happy to help.