HOME+GARDEN
MAKE YOUR HOME ENERGY EFFICIENT IN 2020 CONT.
Some building materials, such as concrete and stone,
are good at absorbing and storing the sun’s heat,
making them high in thermal mass . Used
properly, with the right amount in the right place
and proper external insulation, thermal mass can
help to maintain comfortable temperatures inside
your home all year-round. Thermal mass absorbs
heat from the sun during the day and radiates it out
as the temperature drops in the evening, meaning
you can be more efficient with the heating of your
home. Some homes have thermal mass that isn’t
being used – perhaps a concrete floor that is covered
in carpet. Simply by taking up the carpet and
replacing with ceramic tiles, you can utilise this
thermal mass, reduce overheating in the summer
and benefit from free solar gains in the winter.
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Underfloor heating removes the need for
radiators which are energy-efficient. Not only will
this save you energy, it will also save you space
around your home.
LED lighting uses significantly less energy than
traditional light sources. In fact, 90% of the energy
that an incandescent bulb generates is lost to heat.
This is not the case with LED light bulbs, meaning
they can achieve the same brightness by using just
a fraction of the power. In addition, LED bulbs last
much, much longer. Where an incandescent bulb
might last for 1,000 hours, a similar LED bulb could
last up to 20,000 hours. And the best bit? The LED
products available on the market today are sleek,
stylish and will add a touch of elegance to your home,
with many people choosing lighting as a conscious
design choice as opposed to just a function. The
increase in smart LED lights even allows you to link
your lighting into a network which is controlled
remotely, allowing creative designs of lighting systems
throughout your home.
Insulate, insulate, and insulate some more!
One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce
your energy usage, and curb your energy bills, is to
ensure your house is properly insulated. Many homes
have an uninsulated loft which could be costing you
more than you think. Starting from just £250, you
can insulate your loft and recoup the cost in around
2 – 3 years. Whilst you are at it, make sure that any
cavity walls are also fully insulated and that your
home has superior double-glazed, or even triple-
glazed, windows.