6 Energy Efficient Upgrades for Your Humble Abode

For most households, even modest savings on yearly energy bills can make a big difference to how smoothly the home and family runs. So, it is very pleasing to know that there are lots of different ways to cut energy costs and keep them low for good. If you can reduce your annual expenses, you’ll have more money to spend on the fun things in life.

The best way to approach energy efficient changes is with an open mind and a flexible attitude. It can be hard sometimes to make extensive adjustments and invest in pricey green technologies, but this isn’t always necessary. You can usher in a new age of eco-friendly living with just a handful of practical, viable additions to your home.

This guide to some of the simplest, most effective green upgrades will help you decide where to start.

1. Install a Skylight

While investing in a skylight is always going to be more expensive than, say, switching your appliances off when not in use, it is a long term change. This means that, given enough time, the purchase will end up paying for itself. With high quality skylights, natural sunshine floods into the room and eliminates the need for artificial lights during the daytime. Not only this, but throughout the summer months, you’ll also find that it keeps rooms warm too.

2. Switch Energy Suppliers

It is important to understand that most energy suppliers aren’t built around systems that benefit loyal customers. The majority are designed to appeal to new members. For many years now, the easiest way for households to get a great deal on their energy rates is to switch suppliers every 1-2 years. This will allow you to take advantage of introductory rates and special offers.

3. Opt for Space Heaters

You can keep rooms just as warm – particularly in the winter – with the use of space heaters, as you can central heating. The difference is that radiators warm every part of the house, even those bits that are not in use. This results in wasted energy, whereas space heaters work only in the bits of the house that are needed. It is a quick, simple, and easy way to slash annual energy expenses.

4. Turn the Thermostat Down

If you can’t bear to be without your thermostat, you can at least turn it down a notch when trying to save money. Positioning the dial or digital monitor just one ‘setting’ lower can have a dramatic impact and you probably won’t notice the difference. Think twice about turning the central heating on, particularly in summer; ask yourself if a jumper could do the job.

5. Use Eco-Friendly Bulbs

Energy efficient lightbulbs no longer cost much more than regular ones, so there is no excuse not to start slashing your energy stats and saving some money. Eco-friendly bulbs provide as much illumination as standard varieties, but they burn more slowly. You’ll notice that they seem a little dimmer at first, but within a minute or so, the brightness in the room will be what you’d normally expect.

6. Shop for Recycled Furniture

With each year, the market for upcycled furniture expands. As households try to make savings, they are turning to ever more creative and innovative ways to decorate their homes. It is possible to pick up some truly excellent pieces from flea markets, second hand stores, and online. If you have an eye for quality, don’t be afraid to look at furnishings from a new perspective.

How to Shop for High Quality Velux Skylights

If you are interested in installing Velux skylights in your home, make sure that you work with a reputable supplier. For a little extra, most will take care of the installation for you, at a time that is as convenient as possible. On the other hand, skylights can be installed in the space of a single afternoon, so there should be no great disruption to your routine.