Creating an Energy-Efficient Home

When most people embark on making energy-efficient upgrades to their home, they usually look to tick the boxes required by Building Regulations and leave it at that.

However, this can then cause homeowners a headache at a later date when they wish to make energy-efficient upgrades to their property. This could include things like insulation, and draught-proofing; which can not only help to keep your home warm but also alleviate issues of damp and mould etc. These are all necessary elements for lowering those pesky energy bills (yay) but work involved in implementing them inevitably incurs the additional cost and hassle of employing a tradesperson to carry them out. 

So, this got us thinking here at AN, whilst we specify our proposed extensions and new build homes to the highest levels of energy-efficient standards, what if homeowners could better plan for the future and know what the simple changes are, that are needed to create an energy-efficient home - and which of these upgrades and features can easily be combined during build or renovation. 

Here are some handy tips that we came up with: 

Insulation
A staple classic on the quest for an energy-efficient abode – keeping warm with as little gas and electric help as possible!

You should always consider requesting a quote from your builder to arrange for your entire home to be insulated, even when just focusing on a new extension or loft conversion. If your property has cavity walls then a layer can be blown into the space. Alternatively, if you have solid walls, there are internal or external options available to you that can help to maintain sufficient ventilation, alleviate many causes of damp and cold, and can even improve the aesthetic of your property. Then, not only will you be warm and toasty, but that effective insulation could save you hundreds of pounds per year on energy bills.

Lighting
Lighting is such a vital and important part of our homes, particularly the interior, where creative lighting solutions can really help to add a wonderful ambiance to your property. Here at AN we always look at maximising your layout to allow natural daylight into your home, allowing to reflect against the circadian rhythm. However, When making any alterations to your home, it is always a good idea to check out what the most efficient design layouts and lighting options are. 

Many low-energy options, such as LED light bulbs, are now far more superior in the type of quality of light they now produce, so opting for a more sustainable bulb option doesn’t necessarily mean you have to compromise on style or feature. 

Ask your tradesperson to install low-energy fittings under the current Building Regulations, they should also be able to advise you on lighting changes to make throughout the rest of your home as well.

Renewable Energy
Are you in the process of installing a loft conversion? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity to consider a renewable energy source such as solar panels. Did you know that scaffolding is one of the biggest costs involved in this type of installation, so combining it with other renovation work makes complete sense. 

Windows
This might seem like a simple one, but when looking to install new windows and outward-facing doors, it is always prudent to try and go above the minimum regulations required – as long as they are within your budget of course – and invest in a more energy-efficient solution. For example, triple, over double, glazing can greatly reduce the noise from the outside world, plus provide an essential, additional layer against the elements.

Bathrooms
Have you ever thought much about your showerhead? Probably not. But you should, because by purchasing an energy-efficient style that is designed to reduce water usage, you could quickly be saving your busy household a whole lot of water. The designs are now so good that they don’t even have a negative impact on your shower experience!

Kitchen
Everyone loves the idea of a new kitchen, don’t they? Shiny new surfaces, fancy, sound-less cupboards, sparkling clean sinks – the list is endless. However, if you are investing in a new kitchen, one of the ways in which you can keep environmental costs low is to choose more efficient appliances that will help you to save on energy bills. That way, you can have a showroom looking kitchen that’s still saving you money in the long run!

-----

All in all, there are many varying and different ways that homeowners can look to make their homes as energy efficient as possible, and over the coming weeks, we’ll be focusing more on how architects and designers can also do our bit during the design process to help build a sustainable future for the planet we all live on.

For more information on how to help build your own energy-efficient home, or simply to chat to us about your next project, get in touch today we’d love to hear from you!