With energy bills higher than ever, improving the energy efficiency of your new build home should be a priority. More efficient homes save you money on bills, increase comfort, and reduce your carbon footprint, which will likely be increasingly important in the coming years. Here are six top tips for boosting the energy efficiency of your new build property. Use as many of them as you can to see the most benefits.
1. Install Triple Glazed Windows
One of the best upgrades you can make is to opt for triple glazed rather than double glazed windows. Triple glazing provides excellent thermal insulation, helping retain heat in winter and preventing overheating in summer. The extra pane of glass creates an additional barrier to stop heat escaping outside. Ask your builder about installing triple glazing right from the outset.
2. Upgrade Insulation Levels
Look at increasing insulation levels above the minimum required by building regulations. Opt for enhanced insulation in the roof, external walls, floors, and foundations. This will help trap heat in the winter. Go for insulation with the highest thermal performance you can afford. Installing insulation is most cost-effective if done from the start rather than retrofitting later.
3. Install Solar Panels
Installing solar PV panels harnesses renewable energy from the sun to generate electricity. Solar energy is free once the system is installed and will reduce your reliance on grid electricity. Position panels on south-facing roofs to maximise solar gain. Solar panels work effectively even on cloudy days in the UK. Feed any unused electricity back to the grid.
4. Install a Heat Pump
Installing a ground or air source heat pump is an excellent way to improve energy efficiency. Ground and air source heat pumps Bristol extract latent heat from the outside air or ground and raise it to a higher temperature for heating and hot water. They provide renewable heating and can reduce carbon emissions by up to 50% compared to gas boilers. Although expensive initially, the long-term savings and green benefits make Bristol heat pumps a smart investment.
5. Upgrade to Triple Glazed Doors
Just as with windows, opt for triple glazed external doors rather than double glazed. Triple glazing reduces heat loss through doors and improves thermal efficiency. For the biggest benefits, have tripled glazed French doors or bi-fold doors installed leading out to the garden. This will help insulate your home during the colder months.
6. Incorporate LED Lighting
Use energy efficient LED bulbs throughout the home. LEDs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. Install dimmable LEDs with motion sensors in low occupancy areas like hallways and stairwells. Smart lighting reduces energy waste.
Making new build homes as energy efficient as possible from the outset saves money and reduces environmental impact. Following these six tips will help maximise the efficiency of your new property. Taking a fabric first approach by upgrading insulation, glazing, and doors pays dividends in the long run.