Energy home efficiency help

Arussell77

Hi all,

I want to make my home more energy efficient but I don’t know who to talk to, to help guide me on what I need to do in the house. Are there companies who come out and help or do energy providers provide some sort of service?

Any help or advice would me most welcome.

Thanks in advance!

Robin9

I'm sure there are but lots of tips on the net.

Doors, windows, roof and wall insulation - rating of appliances, boilers etc. - are common opportunities to save energy.

What is your actual consumption in kwh (not £'s) ? Age/ type of property/ number of bedrooms etc.

Gerry1

Beware of search engine results. Many apparently 'official' sites are merely links to dodgy merchants who will make impossible claims.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6056402/company-trading-as-uk-energy-assessment-anyone-have-any-insight

Reputable sites include

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/make-sure-your-home-is-energy-efficient/

and

https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/home-energy-efficiency

matelodave

You could have a look at the energy savings trust website -

https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/home-energy-efficiency

some of its a bit simplistic and most of it is common sense but it points you in the right direction

FreeBear

Robin9 wrote: »

IDoors, windows, roof and wall insulation - rating of appliances, boilers etc. - are common opportunities to save energy.

Plugging up the draughts is another avenue to explore. Some of the energy saving jobs can be done by anyone with a modicum of DIY aptitude (loft insulation being one).

Would also echo advise re dodgy companies offering "free surveys". One that is currently doing the rounds will inform you that fibreglass & mineral wool insulation is no longer "fit for purpose" When challenged, no reports confirming this can be found - It is a pitch for spray foam in the roof. Highly damaging and very expensive to get rid of.
Another "free survey" that I have had first hand experience of is nothing more than a sales pitch for overpriced double glazing.

Best bet is to post here with more information about the property, your budget, and skill set. We can point you in the direction of the most cost effective answers and help you avoid the expensive scams.

One important question - Do you own the property or rent ?

Arussell77

Thanks all. I have a 4 bed detached house and as as for budget I am open to spending a few hundred or so to help. I have draught stripped doors, insulated etc. I think I am a bit concerned about some heat loss from air bricks that are situated below floor level in the kitchen. I presume blocking these is a bad idea?

FreeBear

Arussell77 wrote: »

I think I am a bit concerned about some heat loss from air bricks that are situated below floor level in the kitchen. I presume blocking these is a bad idea?

These will be for ventilation under your wooden floor. Do not block these vent up as it will lead to the joists & floorboards rotting.

A "few hundred" isn't going to go far on a 4 bed house - More loft insulation will eat most of that up. Get around 300mm depth of glassfibre or mineral wool insulation up there. Pay particular attention to the spaces close to where the roof connects to the walls.

Do you know when the house was built ?