10 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient This Winter
With the winter months fast approaching, making your home as energy efficient as possible is more important than ever. Energy bills are set to rise by 4% from October, under the latest Ofgem price cap, with a typical household expected to pay around £60 more per year.
With energy and heating costs already a major concern for many homeowners, taking steps to reduce heat loss could help make your home more comfortable while potentially reducing the amount of energy you use.
From upgrading your windows and doors to improving insulation and making better use of your heating system, there are several ways to create a warmer and more energy-efficient home.
Here are ten effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency this winter.
1. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows
Old performing windows can be a significant source of heat loss, particularly if they have single glazing, ageing frames or failed seals.
Replacing them with modern energy-efficient windows can help reduce heat escaping from your home while making rooms feel warmer and more comfortable. Double glazing is a popular choice for homeowners, while triple glazing can provide an additional level of thermal performance.
At Starglaze, we offer a range of energy-efficient windows designed to help keep warmth inside your home during the colder months.
2. Replace Old Doors
Windows aren’t the only areas where heat can escape. Older external doors can also allow warm air to escape and cold air to enter, particularly around poorly sealed frames and outdated locking systems.
Replacing an old front or back door with a modern, thermally efficient door can improve your home’s insulation while also enhancing security and kerb appeal.
A well-fitted composite, uPVC or aluminium door can provide an effective barrier against cold temperatures and draughts.
3. Check Windows and Doors for Draughts
If you’re not ready to replace your windows or doors, check them carefully for draughts. Cold air entering through gaps around frames, seals and thresholds can make your heating system work harder.
Look for damaged or worn seals around windows and doors and check whether you can feel cold air entering around the edges. Addressing these issues can help improve comfort and reduce unnecessary heat loss.
If your windows or doors are particularly old or showing signs of deterioration, replacement may provide a more effective long-term solution.
4. Improve Your Home’s Insulation
Windows and doors are important, but they are only part of your home’s overall energy performance.
Loft, wall and floor insulation can significantly reduce heat loss and help maintain a more consistent indoor temperature. Combining effective insulation with energy-efficient windows and doors can create a much more thermally efficient home.
5. Choose the Right Window Style
When replacing your windows, consider how the style and design can work alongside your home’s existing architecture and your energy-efficiency requirements.
Modern casement, tilt & turn, sliding sash and other window styles can all be manufactured with energy-efficient glazing and frames.
Choosing the right combination of frame material, glazing and glass specification can help improve thermal performance without compromising on appearance.
6. Make the Most of Your Heating System
An efficient heating system is essential during winter, but how you use it can also have an impact on your energy consumption.
Thermostatic radiator valves allow you to control temperatures in individual rooms, while a smart thermostat can help you create heating schedules around your daily routine.
Keeping your heating system properly maintained can also help it operate as efficiently as possible.
7. Consider Energy-Efficient Glazing
When replacing your windows, don’t just consider the frame. The glazing specification can also make a significant difference to energy performance.
Modern double glazing uses two panes of glass separated by an insulating cavity, helping to reduce heat transfer through the window. For homeowners looking for even greater energy performance, triple glazing provides an additional pane of glass and insulating cavity.
The right option will depend on your property, budget and individual requirements.
8. Don’t Forget Your Conservatory or Extension
Conservatories and glazed extensions can sometimes become particularly cold during winter if they have older glazing or an outdated roof.
Replacing old windows, doors or glazing can help improve the energy performance of these spaces, making them more comfortable throughout the year.
For homeowners who use their conservatory as an everyday living space, upgrading the glazing, doors or roof could make a noticeable difference to how the room performs during colder weather.
9. Keep Doors and Windows Properly Maintained
Regular maintenance can help your windows and doors continue performing effectively.
Check seals, hinges, handles, locks and opening mechanisms regularly, and keep moving parts clean and well maintained. Damaged seals or poorly closing windows and doors can allow draughts through and reduce thermal performance.
If you notice condensation between panes of glass, damaged frames or windows and doors that no longer close properly, it may be time to consider replacement.
10. Upgrade Your Windows and Doors Together
If your windows and doors are reaching the end of their lifespan, upgrading them together can be an effective way to improve your home’s overall thermal performance.
Modern windows and doors can help reduce draughts, minimise heat loss and create a more comfortable indoor environment. They can also improve your home’s appearance and security at the same time.
For homeowners looking to make their property more energy efficient this winter, upgrading windows and doors is an investment that can provide benefits throughout the year.
Create a Warmer, More Energy-Efficient Home with Starglaze
Improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t necessarily mean making one major change. Small improvements to heating, insulation and maintenance can all contribute to reducing energy consumption.
However, if your windows and doors are old, draughty or no longer performing as they should, upgrading them could be one of the most worthwhile improvements you make.
At Starglaze, we offer a range of energy-efficient windows and doors designed to help improve comfort, security and energy performance. Explore our range to discover how upgrading your home’s windows and doors could help you create a warmer and more energy-efficient home this winter.
