Top tips to boost your home’s energy efficiency

Mar 12 2021

As we approach the COP26 conference in Glasgow later this year and attention turns to how to ‘Build Back Better’, sustainability has arguably never been higher on the agenda. More and more of us are making greater efforts to reduce our individual carbon footprint – and much of this stems from how we manage our homes.

One of the biggest benefits of new build homes, such as those across our developments in London, is that they are built to be more energy efficient than second-hand properties; helping you to reduce your carbon footprint and bills, too. What’s more, in response to the National Future Home Standard from 2025, the government and industry is setting out plans for even further energy efficiency improvements and using low carbon heating – including requiring all new homes to produce 75-80% less carbon emissions than currently permitted.

Here at Telford Home, we’re already working towards these goals much earlier than national requirements. Last year, we set out our ambition to become a net zero carbon company by 2030 – and part of this includes carefully considering how we design great places and homes. So when you buy from us, you can have peace of mind in your new abode, to keep you warm in winter and comfortable in the summer – and many of our developments have efficient on-site energy plants that help to reduce your costs and provide cleaner energy.

But if you want to go one step further to living an environmentally friendly lifestyle, we’ve rounded up some small steps you can take to further boost energy efficiency at home:

1. Check your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Before you purchase a new home, it’s worth checking out its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. An EPC indicates the energy efficiency of a building, using data about its energy features, such as building materials used, heating systems and insulation. EPCs are rated from “A” to “G”, where “A” is the most energy efficient in terms of likely fuel costs and CO2 emissions.

All Telford Homes properties are built to an EPC B rating – well above the industry average of a D rating, meaning you can have peace of mind before you even move in that your property is designed to be energy efficient.

2.Your radiator free home

Having underfloor heating instead of radiators, as within our developments, helps evenly heat the whole room. It also gives you more space and flexibility to re-orientate your layout, when family and friends visit, to maximise your view and to catch the sun! Dot some biophilia (plants) around your abode – being in touch with natural light and aspect improves personal wellbeing – as we seek connections with nature and other forms of life.

3.Try energy-efficient appliances

All appliances are A+ energy efficient as standard. But you can boost your efficiency even further by purchasing energy-efficient everyday appliances. As we are spending more time homeworking  making endless cups of coffee and tea, investing in an eco-kettle can also help make a big difference, with some using as much as 30% less power to boil. Also drink more fresh water to stay hydrated and where possible enjoy fair-trade drinks.

4.Stop leaving appliances on standby

Most of us are careful to switch lights off after leaving a room, but  off other appliances after use is just as effective – such as computers, TVs, printers and washing machines. The Energy Saving Trust estimates switching these items off at the plug could save you roughly £30 a year *, as well as reducing your environmental impact. Think about ambient lighting levels to improve wellbeing to suit your circadian rhythms – our natural, internal process that regulates the sleep–wake cycle!

5.Switch to an energy-efficient supplier

One of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint and save on bills is to switch to an energy company that offers renewable energy. Take the time to research different suppliers and find the right deal for you. Look out for tariffs backed by the Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) – as this is a good way to verify that it is a genuine green supply.

for more information on the range of our sustainability credentials, or our range of fantastic homes across London, get in touch with our sales team via email – newhomes@telfordhomes.london.

 

* Home Builders Federation, October 2017 – https://www.hbf.co.uk/news/new-build-homes-save-owners-629-a-year-on-energy-bills/

**Energy Saving Trust – https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/home-appliances/