More and more people are trying to find ways to make their home more energy-efficient. Reducing energy consumption is important, not only to protect the environment but also to save some money in the long run.
Cutting down unnecessary energy consumption is essential for everybody, so we gathered 5 must-know tips to follow in order to secure a more energy-efficient home, bring down your bills and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time!
1) Schedule an energy-efficient audit
Arrange a meeting with energy auditors to check as to where your home currently stand in terms of energy efficiency. As these auditors specialise in energy-efficiency, they will evaluate the current condition of your home, using the right tools and skills and determine where efficiency can be improved by recommending some low cost measures. This will help you to figure out as to which parts of your home needs your immediate attention.
2) Ensure that your home is well insulated
Effective insulation slows the rate that heat flows out of the house in winter or into the house in summer, so less energy is required to heat or cool the house. The key is to make sure that you have proper insulation e.g. on walls and in the loft space, weather stripping and other insulating techniques throughout your home.
3) Draught-proof your windows
Go the extra mile by sealing the air leaks in and around your windows. Draught-proofing is one of the most effective ways to save both energy and money! Hiring a professional joiner to do the draught-proofing for your windows is likely to be the best option, as they will provide advice on exactly the right materials to use. However, it may be easier and more cost efficient over the long term to consider replacing some or all of your windows, improving your home’s energy efficiency drastically, using modern materials and techniques to achieve the latest efficiency standards.
4) Choose double-glazing for your windows
If you don’t yet have double glazing fitted, you’ll be amazed at the difference it can make to your annual energy bills. Your investment will be worth it, as double-glazed windows will retain more heat inside your home, meaning you will save money in the long term. Consider hiring a specialist to test the U value (thermal transmittance) of your windows is the most effective solution. The lower the U value, the better the thermal performance of the product!
5) Consider replacing your windows
Your windows can also cause you to lose a lot of heat during the winter months, and cool air during the summer months. This can really be damaging when it comes to your energy costs over the year. Low-emissivity glass (or low-e glass as it is commonly referred to) is a type of energy-efficient glass designed to prevent heat escaping through your windows to the cold outdoors. Some of the older types of windows (even double-glazed ones), are not as energy efficient as you would like for them to be.
If any of the tips above concerning your windows do not seem to work for you, you can always invest in replacing them with timber windows, as timber enhances the appearance of your property, reduces your energy costs and adds value to your home for years to come! By replacing your existing window glass with low-emissivity, you can improve the energy efficiency of your home, reduce your monthly bills and decrease the size of your carbon footprint. At Patchett Joinery, all our timber windows are double weather-sealed, providing optimum weather-tightness and protection against the British climate.
Patchett Joinery have been manufacturing sliding sash windows, casement windows and timber doors for our customers since 1840. All our high quality windows and doors are manufactured and hand-finished at our Bradford factory and supplied throughout the UK.
Handcrafted in the heart of Yorkshire, from design to manufacture and installation, with Patchett Joinery you’re in skilled hands!
Combining the best materials, experience, craftsmen and the latest technological advances, we are proud of creating wood sliding sash windows and doors to any specification, which stand the test of time, ensuring your home becomes more energy-efficient!
Patchett Joinery have over 150 years expertise, we are proud that we only use sustainable timber and environmentally-friendly processes to minimise our impact on the natural environment.
You’re welcome to visit our showroom and tour our Bradford factory, where your timber windows and doors will be designed and handcrafted. Working throughout the UK, we supply home-owners, architects, construction firms and many more customers.
For further information of how our windows and doors can help you with creating a more energy-efficient home, please ask for Rob Hawthorne on 01274 882 331 (extension 501) or email him directly at [email protected].
Feel free to browse all our products on our website and contact us for any queries and a free no obligation quote for your project!
Patchett Joinery Ltd.
Ryefield House, 180 Highgate Road,
Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD13 1DS
T: 01274 882 331
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