Where to Start with Domestic Energy Efficiency

The news is full of ‘net zero by 2030’ but what does that mean for home owners and what can we do to lower emissions? Let’s look at three popular solutions that the government through local councils can provide grants for.

Insulation

Campaigners all over the country have been pushing for this more than anything, without upgrading insulation the wasted heat, energy and money that then leaks the building envelope is extensive.  Increasing insulation is the biggest beneficiary factor in reducing our carbon footprint domestically.  With so many options where do we start? AnArchitectural professional should do a survey to determine the construction of the floor, walls and roof and what the most appropriate application is for all elements.

Solar Panels

Solar panels have become a popular accessory to the domestic roof by both private and local authority owners.  But how do they work? In short the panels extract energy form the sunlight and this is crucial to them working efficiently. Solar panels have the ability to power your domestic appliances cutting electric energy bills significantly. When the power isn’t being used straight away a small amount can be stored in a battery, once an appliance is in operation the battery transforms the electricity generated by the sun into the electricity required to power the kettle.

Air Source Heat Pumps

Heat pumps have been widely debated lately as to how they stack up against conventional methods as a way of heating your home efficiently.  If you are planning on living off grid, building or refurbishing a home currently with no gas connection heat pumps are platinum; they heat water and warm a home effectively by extracting heat energy from the outside air. This can be done all year round and in low temperatures.  Air sourced heat pumps aren’t recommended for existing properties due to most homes not having enough insulation for the system to work.  

Summary

Upgrading insulation combined with Solar panels on an existing home will ultimately reduce your carbon footprint and will help you reduce your energy bills.  

If you’re considering a new home project by refurbishment or building consider how best to implement these energy solutions.

How we upgrade our homes sometimes has implications on local authority permissions and should always be checked before doing any work.