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5 simple ways to lower your environmental impact at home

In the wake of the global climate emergency, most of us are taking stock of our own personal impact on our environment. 

Currently, it is estimated that 17 million UK homes have an Energy Performance Certificate rating of C or below. We also know that around 14% of the UK’s carbon emissions result from the use of energy to heat our homes.

One way to significantly lower this figure is to improve the energy efficiency of our homes. As home eco retrofit specialists, we want to work together with you to help reduce our impact on the planet, ultimately resulting in cosier, happier and healthier homes for all. 

On a macro scale, comprehensive ‘Whole House Retrofit’ improvements such as solid wall insulation , installing photovoltaic or solar water heating panels and replacing windows would be first on our list of home retrofit to-dos. Some of these improvements have proved transformational to the homeowners in our case studies here. However, there are other simpler improvements that aren’t as extensive and can be managed on a smaller budget.

So, if you’re interested in doing your bit for the environment and want to get started immediately, here are 5 practical and straightforward ways to lower your environmental impact at home.

1: Install low energy lighting in all rooms

First and foremost, whether you’re using standard lights, downlighters or spotlights, installing energy efficient light fittings in all rooms is a simple way to make energy savings. Still, be advised to turn off lights when not needed, even low-energy lights!

2: Invest in the most energy efficient electrical appliances

Secondly, purchase household appliances with low embodied energy, efficient energy consumption and recyclable at the end of their life. Find the most energy efficient appliances using current EU energy ratings.

3:  Turn down the thermostat

Turning down your thermostat even by 1 degree could lower your energy consumption by up to 10 per cent a year. This tip is very easy to do, comes with no additional cost and you will reap immediate and significant savings. If you don’t already have a room thermostat or other heating controls, consider installing them. 

4: Install eco-friendly humidity controlled extractor fans

Installing humidity-controlled extractor fans in your kitchen and bathroom is one of the best ways to control moisture and comfort levels in your home and conserve energy. Poorly ventilated kitchens and bathrooms can lead to condensation, which in turn can cause mould. Inhaling microscopic mould spores can trigger a range of respiratory conditions such as asthma, dust allergies and hayfever. It is simply not worth the health risk to you and your family.

5: Install a smart-meter in your home

Moving into the next generation, yet another device has now become ‘smart’ and that’s your meter! No more need to take manual meter readings; the smart-meter sends electronic readings directly to your energy supplier.

Not only cutting down on paperwork supplier-side, smart-meters help you stay on top of your energy use, allowing you to better budget and keep a track of how much energy you’re using. It’s a foolproof way to monitor and work to lower your environmental impact. Contact your energy supplier to find out more about how you can get a Smart Meter.

Get retrofitting now!

Of course, the key way to reduce your home energy consumption is to look at what retrofit measures would make sense for your home.

Working to help you live in a cosier and more energy-efficient home, Cosy Homes Oxfordshire is supported by local and national partners: Low Carbon Hub, the National Energy Foundation and Retrofit Works.

Our home retrofit service offers a sustainable approach to reducing home energy use – and a sure-fire way to lower your environmental impact, with considerable benefits for your home and the planet.

Get started today by registering your home with Cosy Homes Oxfordshire. We’ll show you even more energy savings through our ‘Whole House Retrofit’ service that identifies sustainable measures you can take, whether big or small, in line with your budget and home renovation requirements.

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