Prioritize home energy efficiency in the summer to enjoy a cozy autumn Achi-News

The good news is that there are a range of measures you can implement to ensure a warm, healthy and happy home, while keeping costs down at the same time.

So don’t wait until the colder weather is here before you act. Explore your options now so you can benefit from making improvements as soon as the seasons begin to change.

Experts in Green Home Systems, One of Scotland’s leading energy efficiency specialists can install a range of products that could help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint.

Solar panels and battery storage

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels give you access to clean, renewable electricity with low operating costs.

The semiconductor material inside solar panel cells produces a significant amount of free energy when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time, meaning you don’t have to rely on energy companies in only for power.

A solar photovoltaic system is usually installed on roofs or in back gardens, and is connected to the appliances in your home to power them from the energy produced. These could include televisions, washing machines and freezers.

Any excess power can be stored in a battery or you can even sell the energy you produce back to the National Grid, creating the potential for your solar panel to be saving money and earning investment.

It is estimated that solar panels can save between 50 and 70 percent on your electricity bills.

Air source heat pumps

Air source heat pumps can not only heat your home, but they can also cool it by environmentally friendly means, making them a real asset to your home all year round.

There are three different types of heat pumps:

Air to water – which uses a wet central heating system.

Air to air – which takes air from outside the house and feeds it into fans.

Hybrid – which uses air and water energy sources, switching between them based on various factors such as season and temperature.

Properly installed air source heat pumps can save you money as they are powered by electricity only, meaning you don’t have to rely on oil and gas prices to keep your home cosy. .

They are also very efficient, require almost no maintenance and have a lifespan of between 15 and 20 years, reducing the likelihood of additional or unexpected costs.

So how do air source heat pumps work? They work in four stages:

1. They use the heat from the air outside your home. Even in cold weather, air still has some heat energy in it, and heat pumps use a special liquid called refrigerant to absorb this heat.
2. Inside the heat pump the heat absorbed is transferred to a compressor, which increases the temperature.
3. This warmer air is then used to heat your house. It can be blown into rooms, or it can heat water that runs through your radiators or underfloor heating.
4. In warmer months, air-to-air models can work in reverse. They can take the heat from inside your house and release it outside, helping to cool your home.

Property insulation

Home insulation is the unsung hero of the energy efficient housing world.

An incredible 25 percent of heat loss in homes is through the roof, leading to higher energy bills as you try to heat the rest of the house. In fact, it is estimated that poorly insulated houses mean that an average of £250 is wasted annually on energy bills according to the Local Government Association.

Insulation traps warm air when it’s cold outside and allows warm air to escape during the summer, which helps ensure you don’t lose heat when you need it or conserve it when you don’t do you do that

There are several areas of the home that could benefit from insulation:

Loft insulation – most new build homes have loft insulation as standard to prevent heat escaping through the roof and is a legal requirement. However, you can also insulate ‘attic’ conversions by placing the thermal material between the floor and ceiling joists to create a barrier between the inside of your home and the outside climate.

Insulation under the floor – generally, underfloor insulation is for ground floor buildings, however areas such as rooms above a garage could also benefit from this. Insulation material is placed between the floor joists underneath.

Wall insulation – This can be further divided into three different types:
(1) Internal wall insulation. It is used when a property has solid walls, such as those made of sandstone, and is usually a cheaper alternative to external wall insulation.

(2) External wall insulation. It can be used on solid wall properties but has a more decorative finish as it is installed outside the home.

(3) Cavity wall insulation. This is a highly specialized type of insulation which involves injecting the material into your wall and can only be used in homes with cavity walls.

When upgrading insulation, it is essential that householders have the proper ventilation in place.

Get in touch

There are a variety of schemes and grants supported by the government and local authorities that provide financial incentives to support householders’ transition to green energy.

The team at Green Home Systems can help you navigate the funding landscape and decide if you qualify.

For more information about suitable options for your home, or the finance available, contact Green Home Systems by visiting greenhomesystems.co.uk or call 0800 783 3373.