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Not all retrofit measures involve major renovations. There are many small actions that can improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home.
Here are some smaller interventions and low-cost ways to reduce your utility bills...
Lighting
LED light bulbs can use up to 75% less energy than older lighting systems. Installing LED lighting is easy and does not require a professional.
Passive infrared (PIR) sensors detect motion, switching lights on and off automatically. These can be easily installed, and can result in energy savings of between 5% and 30%.
Smart meters
Smart meters measure the gas and electricity usage of your household. The display screen shows what your energy costs day-to-day more accurately than estimated bills.
A smart meter will be installed by your energy supplier. Smart meters replace traditional gas and electric meters, and send readings automatically to your energy supplier.
Tap aerators
A tap aerator is a small device that attaches to your tap to slow the flow of water. Air is mixed with the water stream, and ample water is still provided for activities such as showering and washing up. By reducing the total amount of water used, tap aerators can reduce your water bills.
Draught proofing
To draught-proof your home, block up gaps that let cold air in and warm air out. Your home will stay warmer in winter, and you’ll also use less energy to heat your home.
Draught excluders can be placed at the bottom of external doors, or inside a disused chimney to prevent cold draughts from entering the home.
Insulating pipework
Water pipes can be insulated to reduce heat loss, helping to save energy. This process is called ‘lagging’, and can be carried out for water pipes that are exposed or within walls, although this requires more building work. Insulating pipework helps to keep your house warm, keep water warm for longer, reduce energy consumption and lower your energy bills.
Radiator reflectors
Radiator reflector panels are a low-cost way to maximise the impact of your heating. Fixed behind your radiators, they reflect heat from the radiator back into the room, instead of letting the heat out through an external wall. They are particularly useful in rooms with solid walls, as they reduce the amount of heat lost through uninsulated walls.
Preventing condensation
Condensation builds when warm, moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces. Over time, condensation can lead to mould which can have serious health impacts.
Adequate ventilation is key to preventing the formation of mould. Extractor fans are effective in reducing condensation in kitchens and bathrooms, especially when fitted with an effective humidistat control.
Other methods of preventing build-up of condensation and mould include:
pulling furniture away from walls, to allow air to circulate.
closing the doors and opening windows when cooking, to prevent moisture from entering other rooms.
keeping bathroom doors closed when bathing, and opening windows slightly afterwards.
using clothes hangers rather than drying clothes on radiators.
wiping down surfaces affected by condensation regularly to prevent mould growth.
running a dehumidifier when drying laundry and in rooms that suffer from damp issues, to reduce the air moisture content.
Preventing damp
Preventing water leaks from the interior and exterior of your house is the first step in preventing damp issues in your home:
fix any plumbing leaks, including from overflows or waste pipes under sinks.
check guttering and down pipes for cracks and blockages from debris, such as leaves.
address any roof leaks.
check and repair any damaged outside walls or eroded mortar.
Ovens and hobs
If refitting your kitchen, consider energy efficiency when upgrading your oven and hob. Electric cookers typically consume less energy than gas for the same amount of use. However, large amounts of energy are lost in the generation and transmission of electric power. Electric ovens and hobs are a more sustainable option when they run on renewable energy, such as electricity from solar panels.
Although cooking accounts for a relatively low percentage of the overall energy consumption of a UK household (around 3%), a big difference can be made through many people making the switch from gas to green electricity.
Not all retrofit measures involve major renovations. There are many small actions that can improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home.
Here are some smaller interventions and low-cost ways to reduce your utility bills...
Lighting
LED light bulbs can use up to 75% less energy than older lighting systems. Installing LED lighting is easy and does not require a professional.
Passive infrared (PIR) sensors detect motion, switching lights on and off automatically. These can be easily installed, and can result in energy savings of between 5% and 30%.
Smart meters
Smart meters measure the gas and electricity usage of your household. The display screen shows what your energy costs day-to-day more accurately than estimated bills.
A smart meter will be installed by your energy supplier. Smart meters replace traditional gas and electric meters, and send readings automatically to your energy supplier.
Tap aerators
A tap aerator is a small device that attaches to your tap to slow the flow of water. Air is mixed with the water stream, and ample water is still provided for activities such as showering and washing up. By reducing the total amount of water used, tap aerators can reduce your water bills.
Draught proofing
To draught-proof your home, block up gaps that let cold air in and warm air out. Your home will stay warmer in winter, and you’ll also use less energy to heat your home.
Draught excluders can be placed at the bottom of external doors, or inside a disused chimney to prevent cold draughts from entering the home.
Insulating pipework
Water pipes can be insulated to reduce heat loss, helping to save energy. This process is called ‘lagging’, and can be carried out for water pipes that are exposed or within walls, although this requires more building work. Insulating pipework helps to keep your house warm, keep water warm for longer, reduce energy consumption and lower your energy bills.
Radiator reflectors
Radiator reflector panels are a low-cost way to maximise the impact of your heating. Fixed behind your radiators, they reflect heat from the radiator back into the room, instead of letting the heat out through an external wall. They are particularly useful in rooms with solid walls, as they reduce the amount of heat lost through uninsulated walls.
Preventing condensation
Condensation builds when warm, moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces. Over time, condensation can lead to mould which can have serious health impacts.
Adequate ventilation is key to preventing the formation of mould. Extractor fans are effective in reducing condensation in kitchens and bathrooms, especially when fitted with an effective humidistat control.
Other methods of preventing build-up of condensation and mould include:
pulling furniture away from walls, to allow air to circulate.
closing the doors and opening windows when cooking, to prevent moisture from entering other rooms.
keeping bathroom doors closed when bathing, and opening windows slightly afterwards.
using clothes hangers rather than drying clothes on radiators.
wiping down surfaces affected by condensation regularly to prevent mould growth.
running a dehumidifier when drying laundry and in rooms that suffer from damp issues, to reduce the air moisture content.
Preventing damp
Preventing water leaks from the interior and exterior of your house is the first step in preventing damp issues in your home:
fix any plumbing leaks, including from overflows or waste pipes under sinks.
check guttering and down pipes for cracks and blockages from debris, such as leaves.
address any roof leaks.
check and repair any damaged outside walls or eroded mortar.
Ovens and hobs
If refitting your kitchen, consider energy efficiency when upgrading your oven and hob. Electric cookers typically consume less energy than gas for the same amount of use. However, large amounts of energy are lost in the generation and transmission of electric power. Electric ovens and hobs are a more sustainable option when they run on renewable energy, such as electricity from solar panels.
Although cooking accounts for a relatively low percentage of the overall energy consumption of a UK household (around 3%), a big difference can be made through many people making the switch from gas to green electricity.
