Energy costs are soaring again and with Winter only around the corner, it’s time to review how you as a property owner can maximise your savings and help the environment at the same time.
Green Energy
Some time ago we spoke about the need for the construction industry to embrace more environmentally friendly construction methods and more inclusion of smart devices and other green technology to be implemented in new developments. As homeowners and landlords, there are several things we can do also to help reduce outgoings.
Lighting
Probably the most well known and common implementation of energy-saving technologies, but still important, is using energy-efficient lighting. While LED light bulbs are more expensive than traditional incandescent ones, they still save money because they last a long time and have very low energy use. Swapping out any standard bulbs for energy-efficient LED’s will have a noticeable effect on your energy bills.
Heating & Cooling
The cost of heating a property can be the most costly of utilities, but this doesn’t have to be the case. There are many ways you can save on heating and cooling costs like, replacing the fans in kitchens, bathrooms, and closets with high-efficiency units and sealing all potential gaps in windows and doors. Combine this with light-blocking curtains to help avoid extra heat loss and you will definitely see a difference in your next bill.
In older properties, it pays to replace windows with new double glazing or if your budget allows, more technically advanced options like triple glazing with low emissivity (low-E) glass. Low-E glass has a microscopically thin coating of metal oxide on one of the internal glass surfaces. This coating reflects heat back into the home but still lets in the light from outside. Also making sure the property is properly insulated will have a huge effect.
Electricity
Electricity costs can easily get out of hand, but just as easily can be reined back in. The installation of energy-efficient utilities and appliances like washing machines or dryers, kettles, other kitchen appliances, boilers and lighting can have a huge effect on your energy costs. Likewise, simply making sure appliances are turned off at the wall when not in use can make sure there is no loss to Phantom power (power used by appliances when not in use but still plugged in).
Renewable
Many homeowners and landlords are taking to renewable technology as its costs come down and it becomes more accessible.
Solar panels are becoming a more and more common sight on houses across the country and wind turbines are getting smaller every year making them more desirable for home electricity generation. Grants are available to take advantage of for the installation of solar panels and remember you can always sell your excess power back to the grid at 6.5c per kWh.
We hope this article has helped you to get started on reducing your energy costs and if there is anything at all the KPM Group can help you with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today and a member of staff will be happy to help in any way we can.
