Make your home more efficient

‘Retrofitting homes’ means different things to different people, depending on what you want to achieve.

You may be undertaking maintenance such as having your boiler replaced, considering extension, modernisation or refurbishment. Improvements can increase the value of your home, reduce energy costs and make it more comfortable.

In this edition we are looking at some of the changes you may be considering.

Insulation and draught proofing

It can be sensible to focus on ‘fabric’ upgrades first, for example through improving the insulation and draught- proofing. This will help to retain warmth and reduce energy use.

Ventilation

Have you encountered the phrase ‘seal tight, ventilate right’? As construction methods have changed over time homes have become increasingly airtight, retaining warmth, but this does mean we have to manage ventilation to balance moisture levels.

Energy

Solar panels and batteries are a good option for many and are much more popular now than solar thermal systems that heat stored water as they are easier to maintain.

Small changes, big savings

Not everyone is ready to make bigger changes to their home, but there are plenty of smaller things you can do to help cut energy use and reduce costs.

1. Some 40% of household heat is lost through draughts. You can reduce draughts with draught proofing strips and homemade excluders and insulate your windows with PVC film and thermal lined curtains.
2. Switch to low energy LED lightbulbs - these can use up to 90% less electricity than incandescent bulbs.
3. Avoid leaving appliances on standby, turn off chargers when not in use and switch off your heating when you go out.
4. Avoid wasteful half loads in your washing machine or dishwasher by only running it when you have a full load.

5. Heating water uses a lot of energy. Try setting a timer to shorten your showers and switch to  washing clothes at 30°C.

We have even more suggestions, schemes and grants that could help you achieve your energy saving goals at: www.horsham.gov.uk/climate-and-environment/energy-saving

‘Open house’ events are an opportunity to see homes where owners have retrofitted. The Visit a Heat Pump website: www.visitaheat pump.com, is a great resource, especially for homes moving away from fossil fuels or those with older electric heating and hot water systems.

Did you know?

West Sussex Affordable Energy

You can find energy advice and information on home energy support and initiatives available in Horsham District such as heating,  insulation, and low carbon heating grants at: www.westsussexenergy.co.uk or by calling 0800 145 6879.

Southern Water

Southern Water offers support such as payment schemes, hardship fund, and social tariffs for low income households.
To find out more, call: 0800 027 0800, email: payless@southernwater.co.uk or visit the Southern Water website