Global warming is one of the greatest threats to humanity and is already contributing to significant climate change in many areas around the world. There are still some small alterations we can make in our everyday lives that could help reduce energy wastage – one of the primary contributors to our changing world, even though it often feels there is little we can do to curb the rate of change in our environment.
Follow these simple guides to reduce your energy use, help the planet, and reduce your bills at the same time. You will be so glad you did.
Roof and Loft Insulation
It’s estimated a staggering 25% of the heat in an uninsulated home is lost through the roof. As the heat rises, the air simply dissipates, resulting in colossal energy wastage.
Insulating your roof space is one of the best and easiest ways to conserve heat in your home. Not only is it cost-effective, but the insulation also works a natural blanket over your house, locking in the heat and vastly reducing your energy use.
As part of a loft insulation upgrade, also consider replacing your roof tiles. Worn or damaged roof tiles not only lead to heat loss, but they also pose a significant risk of water damage. Companies like Signature Roofing can offer advice on the best materials to properly insulate your home while also improving the water-proofing of your attic space.
Cavity Wall Insulation
While it is relatively easy to understand heat loss through the roof of a home, perhaps more surprising is the loss that occurs through walls. Around 33% of the heat in a house escapes through uninsulated walls.
Most homes built after 1990 will already have wall insulation but, if your home pre-dates that, you should look at adding cavity wall insulation. Use an expert company to assess your wall type and see if it’s possible to add an extra layer of insulation in the space between the walls. In most cases, this is a relatively simple exercise involving drilling into the area then injecting insulating material.
Floor Insulation
Floor insulation is another excellent way to reduce the amount of energy you use to heat your home. In particular, look at plugging the holes between skirting boards and floorboards to see the most significant benefits. Also worth considering is under-floor heating, to heat your home (literally) from the ground up.
This will make a huge difference in your power bill or with your heating costs too. That savings can accrue yearly.
Tanks, Pipes and Radiator Insulation
Insulating the pipes and tanks that heat your home can significantly reduce energy and heat waste. Just as you would expect, if you cover a water tank with a jacket, it will retain its heat longer and require less re-heating. The same applies equally to the pipes that connect your tank to your radiators. Adding an extra layer of insulation helps prevent heat loss.
Also, if you have radiators, consider fitting a reflective layer behind them to redirect heat back into your home – the effects can be dramatic. Remember, you only need to add reflective surfaces behind radiators that are on external walls – internal walls simply pass the heat into another room in your home.
Final Thoughts on Energy Wastage
Energy use is the primary contributing factor to global warming. Even by just taking these simple steps we can dramatically reduce energy wastage, our carbon footprint – and save money at the same time. That’s a win-win outcome or the planet and our finances.
Do you have any suggestions towards reducing energy wastage that you can share? Leave your comments in the box below.