The Edinburgh Realty eNewsletter

Six top tips to make your home more energy efficient

That first Autumn chill in the air is a gentle reminder to get onto all the wee jobs around the home that will help keep winter power bills in check. It’s time to take stock of heat losses and energy waste, and invest in some good habits and sturdy curtains, with our six top tips to make your home more energy efficient.

1. Let there be light. Trim any trees, vines and shrubs keeping precious natural sunlight from your windows and your home in shade.
    
2. Delete your final draught. Pinpoint where cold air is seeping in and warm air escaping. Make sure windows and doors still properly fit their frames, and seal gaps and cracks, and old chimneys.
    
3. Line up. Check your underfloor and ceiling insulation is still up to scratch. Consider double-glazing or floor to ceiling lined curtains to further keep things cosy and cost efficient.
    
4. Take a breather. Open windows for at least 20 minutes daily, to help get rid of damp air and encourage the flow of dry, fresh air that takes less energy to heat.
    
5. Switch off and recharge smarter. Turn off and disconnect any electronics not being used, including laptops and mobile phones once fully charged. Take full advantage of night rates for things like water heating, underfloor heating, and vehicle charging to save money while you sleep.
    
6. Keep it clean and lean. Have your flue or chimney swept every year and clear the filter in your heat pump regularly for maximum efficiency. If possible, replace older blown light bulbs with LED ones.