Households across the UK are getting more concerned about the rise in energy costs, and are looking into ways to save on their energy bills.

The cost of living is rising higher than we expected, so at ATSPACE, we have decided to show you ways to potentially lower the cost of your bills!

Air Tight

Firstly, we can’t stress enough how important it is to ensure your build is air tight. Building an air tight structure will reduce the amount of air which can escape. This means, for example, if you have your heating on, you won’t be heating the street, and your energy bills will be lowered instantly.

If you have an existing home, all is not lost. You can get an expert to help diagnose where the leakage points are. These can then be fixed and sealed where possible. This is imperative to ensure that you’re not literally throwing your money out the window.

Appliances

The appliances you have installed in your home can play a big part in ensuring you aren’t wasting energy. When you buy an appliance, it will come with its own manufacturer’s energy rating. These are usually rated on a scale from G-A, and G is usually the least energy efficient. The A category is then divided into 3 subsections, A+, A++ and the best of the bunch A+++. The better the rating, the more energy efficient product you will get for your build.

Insulation

Obviously, it goes without saying that the better the insulation you have in your home, the more energy efficient it will be. New homes are built to a particular standard, and should have the required level of insulation already present. This is usually the minimum and there’s no reason why you can’t improve. If you’re in an older property, insulation will make a huge difference to the amount of heat which can escape.

Systems

The systems you have in place, including your heating system, will need servicing. To ensure your home is as efficient as possible, your systems need to be working at the top of their game! You might consider installing a more energy efficient system instead. This might cost you more initially, but you will save the cost every month from there on in. There are plenty of people who could speak to about what will work best for you and your property.

EPC/SAP

An EPC can inform you how energy efficient your home is. Most homes, especially new builds, already have one of these. The EPC is calculated from the SAP. A SAP is a way to compare the energy performance of various homes. The elements included are the construction, lighting, heating system and any renewable sources installed. If you’re currently building, getting your SAP assessor together with your architect will help ensure your build is the most energy efficient it can be. These different systems, the materials, etc can have a dramatic impact on the energy efficiency of your build.

Other ways to ensure energy efficiency

• •  Get a smart meter

  •  Make sure you turn everything off

  •  Make sure that the washing machine/Dishwasher is full before switching it on

  •  Don’t use your tumble dryer

  •  Reduce your time in the shower

  •  When boiling a kettle, just boil the water you need

  •  Layer up instead of putting the heating on

  •  Only heat the rooms you use

  •  Make sure you bleed your radiators regularly

  •  Make sure your windows and doors properly fit

  •  Insulate pipes and hot water cylinders

  •  Use LED light bulbs

  •  Make sure you have double glazing

  •  Get an energy efficient external door

  •  Upgrade your boiler

  •  Consider solar energy

All these ways will ensure your home is working to its best potential. If you’re looking to save as much as possible, especially in these times, make sure you’re taking the steps to move forward.

ATSPACE can help you, help yourself. If you’re looking to get advice, support or information. We’re here to answer all your questions!