{"id":34424,"date":"2022-09-27T16:37:09","date_gmt":"2022-09-27T15:37:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsblogsnew.ihbc.org.uk\/?p=34424"},"modified":"2022-09-27T16:37:09","modified_gmt":"2022-09-27T15:37:09","slug":"9-easy-ways-to-save-energy-in-an-older-home-or-building","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsblogs.ihbc.org.uk\/?p=34424","title":{"rendered":"9 Easy ways to save energy in an older home or building"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Older homes can be hard to heat. But with simple changes to your home and your behaviour, you can save energy, and therefore money, with minimal work to your building.<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

…Make sure your building is in good condition…<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

These top tips from our Senior Technical Officer Lila Angelaka are easy solutions to help you save energy in your older home.<\/p>\n

1. Make sure your building is in good condition<\/h3>\n

Depending on the condition of your building, this might not be a simple fix. But keeping the building dry and warm, and addressing any issues like damp, can help your home be more energy efficient.<\/p>\n

Our\u00a0Short Guide to Maintaining Your Home<\/a>\u00a0can help you get started.<\/p>\n

2. Use boilers and radiators efficiently<\/h3>\n

Being able to control your central heating can make a real difference. Thermostats and thermostatic valves allow you to heat spaces more efficiently and only when and where it is needed.<\/p>\n

If you are using specific rooms during specific times of the day, think about only heating these and closing the doors. This will prevent draughts and allow the heated rooms to come up to and stay at temperature. This can reduce emissions and fuel consumption as well as maintain a comfortable temperature.<\/p>\n

Make sure your radiators are not blocked by furniture and are bled if needed.<\/p>\n

Home Energy Scotland<\/a>\u00a0offer cashback and interest free loans for some energy efficiency measures in homes, such as more efficient heating systems.<\/p>\n

3. Consider infrared heaters<\/h3>\n

The way we heat buildings now is very different from how we used to. Historically, in the UK, heating was mostly through open fires and stoves. These offered a mixture of radiant heat (warms you and the objects around it) and convective heat (warms the air).<\/p>\n

The \u201cradiators\u201d found in most houses today heat through convection. This might not be enough for large rooms with high ceilings. This is something to consider if deciding about changing or supplementing your heating by a portable device. Heaters offering radiant heating (such as infrared heaters) can be a good addition to ensure heat is directed where you want it.<\/p>\n

Our technical paper\u00a0Keeping Warm in a Cooler House<\/a>\u00a0explores more.<\/p>\n

4. Use curtains, blinds and shutters<\/h3>\n

Older homes have often changed a lot through their lives. Where doors have been removed and rooms joined, consider putting up curtains to reduce the area you\u2019re trying to heat.<\/p>\n

Draw the curtains or blinds and close your timber shutters after sunset. It can make a surprising difference and reduce heat loss from 14% to 62% (if all combined).<\/p>\n

Consider buying thick\/thermal curtains or if you can get them second-hand, this will save your pennies and also the planet.<\/p>\n

If your windows or doors are draughty, draught stripping them (including letterbox openings) can also reduce air leakage by 80%.<\/p>\n

To draught proof your home professionally may cost a few hundred pounds, but DIY options are available and can make a big difference. Home Energy Scotland also offer home owners interest free loans for professional draught proofing.<\/p>\n

5. Fill gaps in floor boards<\/h3>\n

Fill bigger gaps in your floorboards and think about removable floor coverings. Big rugs make a big difference in comfort, and keep your feet warm!<\/p>\n

Find more information on how to do this in our\u00a0Energy Efficiency Short Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

6. Change to LED lights<\/h3>\n

This can also help reduce electricity costs. LEDs last significantly longer, take less energy to power, and don\u2019t cost more than a traditional bulb.<\/p>\n

7. Draft proof the chimney<\/h3>\n

Draught proof the chimney flue by using a removable device, such as a chimney balloon. Do this when the chimney is not in use\/there are strong draughts. This can not only help keep heat in and cold draughts out, it can also reduce wind noise down your chimney.<\/p>\n

Find more information on draught proofing from the Energy Saving Trust<\/a>.<\/p>\n

8. Use a heated foot mat<\/h3>\n

If working from home, a heated foot mat makes a big difference. If your feet are warm you will still be comfortable at modest indoor temperatures.<\/p>\n

9. Cross ventilate<\/h3>\n

Cross ventilation (creating drafts by opening two windows in different rooms) is a great way to allow fresh air to come into your house. It pushes the old air out quickly, so the warmth doesn\u2019t escape. To do this:<\/p>\n