Prepare now to make sure your home will be warm enough this winter
There are a variety of ways to make sure your home and the people in it are warm enough, without increasing your energy use. In fact, you could actually reduce your bills by £300 by increasing the insulation, and draught proofing in your home.
Also, if you are considering moving, remember Energy Performance Certificates are compulsory in the Home Improvement Packs, which sellers must now provide.
Insulation
You can lose 25% of your heat through the roof, 35% through the walls and 15% through the floor, so if you are embarking on any building work, it will pay to maximise your insulation.
The government regulator OFGEM recommends a minimum level of 250mm-270mm of loft insulation. If yours is not at this level, it's worth having it topped up. Also, make sure that any water tanks and pipes are properly lagged.
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Once you've insulated your walls and switched to energy-saving lightbulbs, you'll want to know what savings you are making.
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A good builder can advise on the best way to maximise wall insulation for your type of wall, whether cavity or solid. Floor insulation is worthwhile even if you have carpets. Check with your local builder for your options.
Draught exclusion
It's worth considering double-glazing if you have single pane windows, as you can make big reductions in heat loss by adding extra glazing.
Inadequate draught proofing of windows and doors accounts for 25% of heat loss. Simple measures can save energy and retain heat: check that your doors and windows close properly; fit draught excluders, draught proofing strips or brush strips around all external and internal doors and windows; make sure there are no gaps between floorboards and skirting boards, these can be easily filled.
Boiler and heating controls
 Heating and hot water account for 60% of the average fuel bill. Modern condensing gas boilers are highly energy efficient and if your boiler is coming to the end of its life, it may be time to replace it. Fitting thermostatic valves to radiators enables you to adjust the temperature in each room independently, which can significantly reduce your fuel bills. You should set the valves to a lower temperature in the bedrooms and kitchen, but warmer in the living room and bathrooms. Discuss options with your local builder or heating engineer. If replacing a boiler, it is essential for the work to be carried out by a Gas Safe Registered engineer.
Some more ways to get cosy this winter:
- Fit thick curtains and make sure they don't hang down over the radiators.
- Put aluminium foil behind radiators on outside walls to reflect the heat back into the room.
- Don't heat unused rooms.
- Draught proof your letter box.
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Another simple way to save energy is to replace your bulbs with energy saving lightbulbs.
Remember: Take care to choose a reputable builder through personal recommendation and check with a reputable trade association such as the
FMB:
www.fmb.org.uk/findabuilder or call freephone 0800 152 522.
* Some of the imagery used, courtesy of the Energy Saving Trust and Rockwool.
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The Essential Guide to Home Improvement is packed with ideas.
The Essential Guide offers plenty of ways to save energy and money, as well as suggestions for different types of home improvement.
There are inspirational examples of beautiful homes and practical tips from industry experts on a variety of building projects.
Download the Guide from www.fmb.org.uk/guide.
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