In today’s world, energy efficiency is a top priority for homeowners. Not only does it help reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills, but it also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle. If you’re looking for ways to make your home more energy efficient, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll provide you with valuable advice and tips to help you achieve a more energy efficient home.
At Internorm, we know that everyone is looking to save money where possible – and it isn’t all about windows and doors. We put our heads together and asked members of our team across the company to tell us their most effective ways to live a more energy efficient lifestyle, which we’ve used to compile this list.
Check Windows and Doors for Draughts: OK, so we’re starting with windows and doors, despite what we said just now! However, underperforming windows and doors can be a major source of energy loss. Test them for draughts and seal any gaps or cracks with caulking, weatherstripping, or door sweeps. This will help keep your home comfortable and reduce the need for excessive heating or cooling.
Insulate Your Water Heater: Wrapping your water heater with insulation can help reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency. This simple step can save you money on your energy bills and ensure that your water stays hot for longer periods.
Run Large Appliances in the Evening: Running large appliances such as washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the evening can help reduce the strain on the electrical grid during peak hours. This can result in lower energy costs and a more efficient use of resources.
Dry Your Clothes Outside: Take advantage of sunny days by drying your clothes on a clothesline instead of using a dryer. Not only will this save energy, but it will also give your clothes a fresh outdoor scent. Drying clothes indoors causes the humidity level to increase, therefore increasing the risk of mould growth. If you have to dry clothes indoors, always ensure that you ventilate your rooms at least once a day by opening the windows.
Clean Large Appliances: Regular maintenance and cleaning of large appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and air conditioners can improve their energy efficiency. Keep the coils clean, replace filters, and ensure proper ventilation to maximise their performance.
Automate Usage with Smart Devices: Investing in a smart thermostat and dimmer switches can help automate energy usage in your home. Set schedules and adjust settings remotely to optimize energy efficiency and reduce wastage.
Reduce Phantom Power Consumption: Many devices continue to consume energy even when they’re not in use. Combat this phantom power consumption by using power bars with built-in timers or switches. This way, you can easily turn off multiple devices at once and save energy.
Be Mindful of Chargers: Chargers for devices such as smartphones and laptops continue to draw power even when they’re not charging. Unplug them when not in use to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
Consider an Energy Audit: Consider investing in an energy audit conducted by a professional. They can assess your home’s energy usage, identify areas for improvement, and provide recommendations for further energy savings. This can help you make informed decisions and prioritise energy-efficient upgrades.
Upgrade Your Windows and Doors: We mentioned earlier about draught-proofing your windows and doors to make sure no heat, and your cash, is escaping. But sometimes, older single or double-glazed windows can only perform to a certain point before they need to be replaced. When your windows and doors are letting you down, it’s time to replace. By investing in quality windows, such as high-performance windows from Internorm, you are investing into your home and your future living standard, saving you money and adding value to your home. Key features are triple-glazing – which is the only solution to really future-proof your home, quality hardware, to ensure that the extra weight of the triple glazing does not impact on the functionality, and aluminium cladding, which offers you a maintenance-free external window finish for 30+ years. Find out about the advantages of triple-glazing over double-glazing in this short video.
By following these tips, you can make your home more energy efficient and save money in the long run. Remember, small changes can make a big difference when it comes to energy conservation. Whether it is sealing draughts, optimising appliance usage or investing in smart devices, every step counts towards a more sustainable and efficient home.
High Performance Products
To further enhance your home’s energy efficiency, consider upgrading your windows and doors with Internorm’s high-performance products. As a leading manufacturer of energy-efficient windows and doors, we offer a range of innovative and high-quality systems designed to improve thermal efficiency, soundproofing, and security. Our timber-aluminium composite, uPVC-aluminium composite, and uPVC options can be customised to match your style and preferences. Also available are a range of shading solutions to avoid overheating, as well as handy fly screens for windows and doors.
Need advice?
With a network of Distribution Partners providing expert advice and quality service, we ensure a seamless process from showroom visits to installation. Remember, creating an energy-efficient home is not only beneficial for the environment but also for your finances. Get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements and your next project. We’ll be happy to help.