The Government’s decision to cut the Winter Fuel Allowance will leave millions of households increasingly concerned about their heating bills this winter.
With fuel prices set to rise, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has shared some top tips on how to make your home warmer and more energy efficient this winter.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Fuel bills in this country have reached an unmanageable level. The UK’s homes are the oldest and least efficient in Europe. There are currently eight million lofts in the UK that need insulating, five million uninsulated cavity walls, and 20 million uninsulated floors that require renovation. However, upgrading our homes comes at a cost, and we know work to improve energy efficiency can be expensive and daunting for homeowners, who may not know where to find a builder experienced in retrofit.
“Our most recent research has revealed that almost half of our membership (40%) are never asked by consumer to improve energy efficiency in their homes – but that could be down to cost, as well as lack of guidance and support.”
Here are five top tips from the FMB on how to make your home more energy efficient:
-
Replace old appliances: There are some inexpensive measures to help make your home more energy efficient, such as replacing appliances with ones rated A or A+, and using energy efficient lighting like LED lightbulbs.
-
Insulate your home: According to the Energy Saving Trust nearly a third of all the heat lost in an uninsulated home escapes through the walls, and you can lose 25% of heat through the roof. Adding insulation to interior walls, floors and roofs can help improve thermal comfort as well energy efficiency. There are currently 18 million homes in the UK with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below, and households that meet the means-tested threshold can apply for the Great British Insulation Scheme for grants to upgrade the insulation in your home.
-
Get smart with thermostats: Installing a smart thermostat that lets you control your heating remotely can help you to manage heating and cooling more efficiently and reduce energy waste. Depending on the system, you can control your heating by room or allow it to optimise your usage as it learns from your behaviour.
-
Upgrade windows and doors: Replacing single-pane windows with double or triple-glazed windows can significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce heat loss. Upgrading exterior doors with proper seals will also help - but this comes at a cost. There are some Government funded schemes - these grants typically support low-income households, those receiving certain benefits, or properties with poor energy ratings. An example is the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme, which covers up to 100 per cent of funding for eco-friendly upgrades and products.
-
What about solar panels? Only when you have made your home as energy efficient as possible and it is insulated, airtight, and ventilated, should you look at renewable energy systems, such as solar panels. Always consult with a reputable and trustworthy builder who has experience in choosing the right materials and installing them. Working with an FMB Master Builder provides that peace of mind as they are professionally vetted and independently inspected, and meet the high standards expected of a Master Builder company.
