Being a homeowner means a lot of things; mostly, of course, it means you own your own home, but it also means you’re going to be the only one taking care of it! And when you’re totally in control, everything is your responsibility, even when something goes wrong, and that can be a worry.
As such, a lot of homeowners worry about how energy efficient, or how ‘green’ their home is. And if you fall into this category as well, there are a few things you need to check out in your home, to make sure you’re not wasting money on energy bills, nor making your carbon footprint any worse. So, here’s where to start.
Check on Your Insulation
The insulation around your home can break down over time, or it could even have been fitted wrong in the first place. Or maybe your home doesn’t even have any reliable insulation at all – check on it! Maybe you’ve got double glazing on the windows, but what about your loft, and your walls?
Loft insulation, most importantly, as well as wall insulation, don’t have to be expensive projects to fork out for either. Underfloor heating might be a little pricey, however if your house is better insulated in the future, you won’t need to budget for an upgrade like this unless you really want to.
Keep an Eye on the Heating
The heating system in your home is a big part of your property’s energy efficiency. Indeed, making sure that your heating is both energy efficient and good for the environment doesn’t just stop at a regular furnace repair to keep carbon emissions down – you’re going to need to look out for places where heat is slipping through the cracks as well.
Of course, we’ve already mentioned checking on your insulation above, but also be sure to regularly check how well the radiators, pipes, and the boiler/furnace in your home is operating. Maybe an upgrade would be a worthy investment? If you know your heating system is at least 10 years old, this is definitely the next step in your home improvement plans.
Don’t Be Afraid to Make a Switch
And finally, no matter what energy company you’re currently with, don’t be afraid to switch to a new one when the prices get too much, or when you’re just not satisfied by the service you’re being given. Because paying too much, especially for energy you’re not using, is not energy efficient at all.
You may also want to consider using an energy supplier that is known for their renewable energy sources. This will certainly lower your carbon footprint! You can even find a list of the most notable renewable energy suppliers right here, for your convenience.
Your home should be at the peak of energy efficiency, especially as a modern homeowner. Make sure you’re taking steps to improve your home’s energy rating, and never be afraid to make a big change, or ask a hard question.