One of the most effective things you can do for both the planet and your pocket is to look at the way your home uses energy. Improving the energy efficiency rating as indicated by the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of your home can make it warmer, reduce your energy and heating costs, reduce your environmental impact and even increase the resale value of your property. Here are just some of the ways you can make the simple changes that will make a big difference.

1. Improve Your Insulation

Uninsulated wall cavities can add up to 25 per cent onto your heating bill*. Reducing heat loss through your walls will reduce your energy consumption as you will be using your heating less. Improvements can be made in attic, walls and floor insulation, pipe insulation and also by removing draughts. Improving 

2. Replace Old Gas Or Oil Boilers

Replacing old gas or oil boilers with a heat pump or more energy efficient boiler will ensure maximum efficiency in heating your home. Installing a heat pump system in a well-insulated home will transform the comfort levels and reduce your heating bills by improving your energy efficiency. It means no more burning fossil fuels, so you are also supporting the environment by reducing your carbon emissions.

3. Install Heating Controls

Heating controls can help improve the energy efficiency of your home and reduce your energy usage. By installing heat controls in your home you could easily save £70 and 300kg of carbon dioxide a year**.

4. Solar Water Heating

Solar thermal systems can provide up to 60% of your overall hot water requirement over the year, saving you money on hot water heating bills*. Heating your water with solar thermal will also reduce your energy consumption. As you will be using your heating less, this will also cut down on your greenhouse gas emissions.

5. Install Renewable Energy Systems

On average, a solar PV system can save around £100-£250 on your domestic electricity bill**. Investing in solar PV, will also make an impact on the EPC rating of your home and its value. Generating your own renewable electricity will also cut down on your greenhouse gas emissions and a typical home could save around one tonne of carbon per year**.

6. Replace Or Seal Old Windows

Draught-stripping your single-glazed windows can reduce the loss of heat. If possible secondary glazing or complete window replacement can return highest overall savings. Adding simple draught seals to doors can also minimise heat loss.

7. Check Your Ventilation

Reduce draughts where possible and install a chimney balloon in your fireplace when it’s not in use to keep heat in. Older vents may need replacing to encourage better airflow.

8. Choose Low Energy Lighting

Simply replacing old inefficient bulbs with low-energy light bulbs can noticeably reduce electricity bills and increase energy efficiency.

9. Get A Lagging Jacket

A thick lagging jacket for your hot water cylinder will keep your water warmer for longer. This can also help improve your home’s EPC rating and save you money over time.

Check out NI Direct for more information on improving your homes EPC rating. NI Direct also offer a number of grants to help make your home more sustainable and energy efficient. If your home has a EPC rating between A1 and B3 AIB are also offering a Green Mortgage with low rates of interest. Get in touch with one of our Mortgage Advisors and start your journey today.

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*Sourced from NI Direct

**Sourced from Energy Saving Trust

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YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE