With the sharp increase in the cost of gas and electricity, which is only on an upward trajectory, ensuring your home is performing at its best is a top priority. Thermal efficiency is the ratio of the heat utilised by a heat source to the total heat units in the fuel consumed. We want our heat source to be on for the shortest time possible whilst our home stays warm.
Thermal efficiency is a key component of what makes energy-efficient homes, which is essential for more reasons than just a happy bank balance. Just to get an idea of how much energy heating and cooling take, it’s the biggest energy consumption that buildings, homes included, have, followed by electrical consumption. Thermally efficient buildings can significantly reduce pollution, and perhaps more importantly, they can enhance a homeowner’s comfort and productivity.
How can I determine if my home is not energy-efficient?
If you feel that your home is not staying warm, you notice drafts from your windows and doors, or your bills are increasing abnormally, then it’s likely that your home is not as energy-efficient as it could be. A great place to start is by checking your EPC rating, which can be found online. This certificate provides your property’s energy performance rating, with A being the most efficient and G being the least efficient.
What energy-efficient home improvements can I make?
You can make some significant improvements that will truly enhance your home’s thermal and energy efficiency.
1. Replace your windows & doors
This is a great place to start. If your windows are old, you live in an older property, or they just weren’t installed to high standards, they can let a lot of the heat escape, reducing your property’s thermal efficiency. When choosing your replacement windows, it’s also essential to consider the material you select, as some are superior to others.
Timber windows are naturally more thermally efficient than their other popular alternatives due to the material's density. Timber is a natural insulator that absorbs and retains heat from the windows and your primary energy source.
Another reason to look at replacing your windows is if you notice that they are single-glazed. The single pane of glass offers little protection from escaping heat, and therefore, it is essential to replace it with double glazing for optimal thermal and energy efficiency. This will also help reduce condensation inside your home.
At Mumford & Wood, we offer a wide range of timber windows and doors for you to choose from, including sympathetically styled sash windows that help make older homes more energy-efficient. We pride ourselves on bringing your vision to life with an extensive range of customisation options available. All our products are fitted with top-quality double glazing to ensure a safe and secure finish.
2. Replace your boiler
Old boilers tend to lose a lot of heat and are less efficient. Upgrading to a newer model will be cheaper to run, and you’ll reduce your home’s carbon dioxide emissions. You should consider replacing your boiler every 15 years. With the rising cost of living, this is a great time to make that change.
3. Ensure you have proper insulation
Insulation within your home’s walls, cavities, and loft can massively help reduce your utility bills and help create an energy-efficient home. In addition to keeping your home warm in the winter, good insulation will also help keep your home cool in the notoriously humid British summers.
4. Use a Smart Meter
Smart meters are available from most energy providers and show your daily usage and expenditure on gas and electricity. They cost nothing to install, and your provider recoups the small cost of running them over time. You can see real-time information in your home about precisely what you’re using and when, so you can keep a good track of how energy-efficient your home is.
About Mumford & Wood
At Mumford & Wood, we pride ourselves on creating the ultimate timber window and door for you. We carefully source all parts of our frame and use only the best materials to ensure product security, quality, and longevity. If you’re interested in our sustainable timber windows and doors for your project, please get in touch or download our digital brochure or request your physical brochure online for more inspiration.
