Energy prices have been rising at uncontrollable rates over the last few years, which is why becoming more energy efficient has become a necessity. When you pair rising energy costs with the wider rising cost of living, even shaving £20 off energy bills can make an enormous difference to a household’s quality of life. Throughout this article, we discuss six home design tips for reducing energy usage.
Trap Heat with Flooring
Heat can easily escape through linoleum or hardwood floors, which doesn’t help when you’re trying to reduce energy consumption and save on monthly bills. Instead of replacing flooring, you can use a large surfaced rug to help trap some of that much-needed heat inside. When the summer comes in, you can simply roll up your rug to allow heat to escape.
Have Solar Panels Installed
If the sun has a clear route to your home for the majority of the day, you should consider installing solar panels. Even though the initial investment will be fairly hefty, you will save a fortune on your energy bills, which will eventually bring back your initial investment and much more. Before you commence installation, speak to a reputable solar panels Aylesbury installation company, who will assess your roof for space and adequate access to the sun.
Get Planting the Right Trees
If you’ve got space outside, then consider planting deciduous trees to provide your home with a good level of shade depending on the time of year. For example, leaves will be full during the summer to block intense heat, whereas they will fall in the colder months to increase sun exposure.
Think Smart When Painting
Natural colours are among the most popular choice when it comes to painting, and with good reason. For example, when sun-soaked walls are painted in a light colour, it reflects the sun’s heat into the rest of the room. As well as this, a light wall colour will bounce natural light to make a room feel larger than it is.
Place Furniture for Air Flow
If your home has a ventilation system to carry air throughout, you need to make sure the furniture is arranged properly. For example, if you place a thick bookshelf in front of a vent, you’ll prevent heat from getting to the right places. By simply rearranging your furniture, you can reduce energy consumption and save a little money on energy bills.
Ceiling Fans in High-Traffic Rooms
A well-placed ceiling fan can help reduce energy consumption, especially if it’s used in conjunction with heating or air conditioning, which will allow the thermostat to be reduced by 4°C. During the warmer months, a ceiling fan should operate at a high-speed travelling counter-clockwise. On the other hand, in the winter, the direction should be clockwise and the speed much lower, which will drive warm air towards the floor. To save more energy, remember to turn ceiling fans off whenever you leave the room.
Reducing energy consumption will lower monthly outgoings and help support the environment, which is why the above strategies are all well worth the initial investment.
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