6 ways to make homes more energy efficient

With energy costs rising, there’s no time like the present to make some home improvements to make it more energy efficient.

While making some changes will require an upfront investment, in the long run it will put homeowners in a great position to make some savings, all while helping the environment.

Saint-Gobain Weber has compiled its top tips for saving energy in the home. From small tweaks to bigger investments, Saint-Gobain Weber has got tips to suit every budget.

Solar panels

Using sunlight to power a home is a great way to cut both costs and carbon footprint. The installation of solar panels may not be cheap, but it is a great way to produce energy to run appliances and save money over time.

External wall insulation (EWI)

EWI is a great way to make homes warmer and more energy efficient. Homeowners will save money on heating bills, and it will give homes a fresh new look. With a Saint-Gobain Weber EWI system, there’s a wide variety of colours and textures available as a finish.

Upgrade appliances

EWI systems and solar panels are ideal energy efficient solutions, but the initial cost can be a turn-off, especially if grants are not available.

Upgrading home appliances is another easy way to make a difference. Older dishwashers can use up to double the amount of water that newer models do. Or, instead of getting a brand new one, consider using the energy-saving setting when washing dishes.

Upgrade the bathroom

It may not sound like a big change, but even switching out an old shower head for a new one can make a big difference to the amount of water being used. Newer shower heads reduce the amount of water that flows through them per minute. Upgrading to a dual-flush toilet can also help save water.

Seal the windows

While replacing old windows might be deemed the ideal solution for keeping the heat in and the draughts out, it may not be the most practical. A more economical solution is simply sealing windows. The easiest way to do this is to use a little bit of caulk or silicone sealant between the window frame and the trim.

Make the switch to LED

Traditional incandescent light bulbs use between 25-80% more energy than LED or CFL (compact fluorescent lamps) light bulbs. LED bulbs have recently become much more affordable, and with a longer lifespan than their traditional counterparts, the choice is clear. And of course most importantly, switch lights off when not in use.

Find out more about Saint-Gobain Weber’s EWI systems.