Boosting Your Home’s Energy Efficiency: Simple Upgrades to Save Money

Many older relatives spend more time at home, using heating or electric appliances more frequently. If the property is draughty or poorly insulated, the cost of staying comfortable can skyrocket. Moreover, older people are sometimes less mobile, so moving around to warm up or layering multiple clothing items may be less feasible. An energy-efficient home better preserves warmth, preventing spikes in heating costs and lowering the risk of health complications like respiratory illness.

1. Draught Excluders: Placing excluders at the bottom of external doors can dramatically reduce chilly air. Look for those that are easy to fit, such as adhesive foam strips or brush-style excluders.

2. Curtains and Blinds: Thick curtains help keep heat in, especially if you keep them closed at night or on very cold days. Alternatively, consider thermal linings or blinds to trap heat effectively.

3. Radiator Reflectors: For homes with radiators on external walls, reflective panels behind the radiator can help push heat back into the room instead of letting it escape through the wall.

• Loft Insulation: Heat naturally rises, so an uninsulated loft can be one of the biggest culprits of heat loss. The recommended loft insulation depth in the UK is around 270–300mm. Grants and schemes may cover some or all of the cost, so explore local authority offerings or speak to your parent’s energy supplier for potential discounts.

• Cavity Wall Insulation: Older houses often have uninsulated walls, meaning heat escapes through cracks or insufficient materials. Cavity wall insulation fills the gap between two layers of brick, reducing heat loss. However, it’s crucial to ensure the property is suitable; damp issues might arise if it’s done incorrectly.

• Double or Triple Glazing: Upgrading from single-pane windows can be costly but yields substantial comfort benefits. Double glazing reduces draughts, external noise, and cold spots around windows. Check whether local grants exist—some areas offer partial funding for window replacements to those on certain benefits or within specific age brackets.

If you’re unsure how efficient your parent’s home is, consider looking up its EPC (Energy Performance Certificate), especially if the property was sold or rented in recent years. The EPC rates a home from A (highly efficient) to G (poor). It may list recommended improvements, offering a snapshot of cost-effective measures. Although the EPC focuses on rentals and sales, homeowners can also choose to have an assessment done to discover potential upgrades.

• Floor Insulation: In older homes with suspended timber floors, cold air can rise from underneath. Insulating beneath the floorboards or using thick rugs can help. Even simply sealing skirting boards or floorboard gaps cuts down on drafts.

• Internal Doors: Encourage your loved one to keep doors to unused rooms shut. This approach heats occupied rooms more efficiently. You can also install inexpensive draught excluders along the bottom edge of internal doors if needed.

While often overshadowed by big heating concerns, lighting can represent a surprising portion of an energy bill, especially if the household uses older bulbs. Switching to LED bulbs can cut lighting costs significantly. Additionally, consider the efficiency rating of large appliances like fridges or washing machines. If an appliance is ageing and becomes faulty, replacing it with a more efficient model might be worthwhile in the long run, especially if grants or discounts are available.

• Regular Boiler Servicing: A well-maintained boiler runs more efficiently. Also check the boiler pressure and thermostatic controls to ensure the heating system operates optimally.

• Smart Thermostats: For the tech-savvy, installing a smart thermostat offers remote control of heating and real-time data on usage. This can help your loved one adjust settings quickly if they forget to turn off the heating.

• Seek Professional Advice: If you’re unsure whether a particular insulation upgrade is suitable, consult a professional. Mistakes in adding insulation can cause damp or condensation. Skilled installers usually carry out a survey first.

Improving energy efficiency doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Start with small, budget-friendly steps—like draught excluders or radiator reflectors—before you explore larger investments like cavity wall insulation or new windows. By focusing on the unique needs of older adults, carents can ensure that their loved ones remain cosy without facing astronomical bills. Remember, an energy-efficient home is not just about saving money; it’s about creating a safe, comfortable, and healthier living space. A little effort now can lead to significant benefits in the future, for both your finances and your peace of mind.