Property owners are increasingly interested in lowering utility costs, reducing carbon footprints, and ensuring their property is as energy-efficient as possible. With energy prices continuing to fluctuate in the UK, taking a more holistic approach to property energy consumption, including smart devices, simple upgrades, and more energy-efficient appliances, can be beneficial for both lowering the cost of energy for the owner and increasing the value of the property in the long term.
Here are some practical steps to help cut down on energy consumption at a property.
Monitor Energy Usage
Central heating is one of the biggest net users of a property’s energy consumption, especially during winter. Calculated choices about when and how to heat a property can lead to substantially more energy efficiency. Smart thermostats allow owners to control the heating schedule, and with greater oversight of how warm a property needs to be to maintain heat, this can lead to much more effective energy usage.
Setting the thermostat to lower temperatures during the night or when the property is unoccupied can significantly reduce energy usage. If a property has multiple heating zones, this is an advantage for owners to capitalise on, by only heating the rooms which are frequently used. Closing doors to prevent draughts, and adjusting radiators to lower settings or, switching them off in any unused rooms, will prevent heat wastage and thus, make the property more energy-efficient
Ensuring the boiler is operating properly is crucial for an energy-efficient property. An annual service can keep boilers running smoothly and reduce the risk of faults that cause them to use more energy than necessary. If a boiler is older, such as older models that are not smart-tech or have a combi function, upgrading to a newer model will have long-term benefits to energy efficiency and reduce the need for maintenance.
Keeping curtains and blinds open during the day to let in as much natural light and warmth as possible, is another great holistic approach to both cutting down energy usage and, using naturally occurring resources to promote energy efficiency. During the warmer months, good ventilation can help keep a property cool without relying on air conditioning. Opening windows in the evening or early morning to let cooler air in, and using ceiling fans (which are particularly energy-efficient) can reduce the need for more power-hungry air conditioning units and improve efficiency.
Invest in Insulation
A well-insulated property retains heat in winter and stays cool in summer, meaning owners won’t need to use as much energy. Up to 35% of a property’s heat can be lost through uninsulated walls, and another 25% can escape through the roof. Improving insulation in these areas is one of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce the amount of heat energy a property outputs. Loft insulation and cavity wall insulation can reduce heat loss by up to 40%.
Small gaps around doors, windows, and in between floorboards can cause significant heat loss at a property. Installing draught-proofing strips around windows and doors is one way to combat this, whilst filling gaps in floorboards with insulating strips or Seletex blocks can prevent cold air from entering, and warm air from escaping.
While draught-proofing windows are a great strategy, heat will still escape through the glass, particularly with single-pane windows. Replacing all single-pane windows with double glazing can prevent significant heat loss – even the viewing whole on a front door can let a significant amount of heat escape through it.
Use More Energy-Efficient Lighting
Lights, light fixtures, and bulbs account for a significant portion of electricity use, particularly if a property relies on outdated bulbs or systems. Replacing all incandescent or halogen bulbs with LED lights is a simple, yet highly productive way to reduce electricity consumption and improve energy efficiency. LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs, last significantly longer, and are a cost-effective, energy-efficient option.
Installing smart lighting systems allows a property owner to control lights remotely or, on a timed schedule, ensuring use only when needed. This is particularly useful in larger properties or for outdoor lighting, as lights that are left on unnecessarily can drain energy quickly. The same applies to faulty or un-updated timing systems. If lights are turning on when it’s already bright, this is a massive waste of energy which can be avoided by investing in smart-tech lighting systems.
For a more holistic approach, reduce the need for artificial lighting in rooms with limited windows by considering installing light-reflecting surfaces, such as mirrors or light-coloured paint, to brighten the space without increasing electricity use. This works particularly well for properties that have sun access obstructed by other buildings or, by natural features like trees.
Reduce Water Usage
Heating water can account for up to 20% of a property’s energy use. Reducing the demand for hot water can lead to improvements in energy efficiency, not to mention significant savings on utility bills. Something as simple as switching to modern showerheads which use less water, while still providing a powerful flow, can drastically reduce the consumption of hot water, and improve energy efficiency.
Additionally, most water temperatures are set higher than necessary on heating systems. Lowering the temperature by just a few degrees can make a significant difference in the amount of energy used to heat water without impacting comfort. If a water heating system or boiler is outdated, it may be time to consider upgrading to a more efficient model. Tankless water heaters are a particularly good option, as they only heat water when it’s needed, rather than keeping it hot throughout the day.
Additionally, changing to an electric water heater rather than a gas-powered one could also have significant impact on energy consumption. With gas costing significantly more per unit than electricity, and also taking longer to heat water, converting old heating systems to new, electrical ones will automatically impact the cost and consumption of energy at a property.
Standby Energy Usage
Even when appliances and electronics are switched off, many of them continue to consume electricity in standby mode, particularly with older appliances. Turning off more appliances at the plug when they’re not in use, especially high-energy devices like televisions, computers, and kitchen appliances, can significantly cut down energy consumption throughout the year, improving a property’s energy efficiency.
For devices that are harder to reach or need to be on at certain times, such as internet routers or lamps, smart plugs, and timers can be an effective solution – these devices automatically cut off power at set times of the day, avoiding the use of energy unnecessarily.
Cutting down on energy consumption at a property requires a mindful approach to how energy is used on a day-to-day basis. Understanding what draws the most energy from a property, and combining efficient appliances with smart usage habits, better insulation, and modern heating solutions, can significantly reduce energy usage, lower utility bills, and create a more energy-efficient property.
