How To Save Energy At Home

Energy prices rise year on year and this year is set to be no different. In fact, due to the dramatic increase of the price of wholesale gas, the average consumer could see their bills soar by up to 50% from April this year, according to Trade Body Energy UK

So, what can we do to help reduce our energy usage and thus, reduce our bills? InsuraHome Home Insurance provide some guidance on how we can help make our homes more energy efficient without spending thousands of pounds.

Draught Proofing

Although we may think our homes aren’t letting the warmth escape, there are areas that we may not consider when draught proofing our home. Draughts occur when there are gaps in the construction in your home that lead to the elements outside. Whilst doors and windows are the main source of this which should be looked at, some other common areas to check and take action on include:

• Around Electrical fittings on walls and ceilings
• Loft Hatches
• Pipework
• Floorboards
• Chimneys

Draught proofing can be relatively cheap to do and it’s even something you can do yourself. Foam strips can be purchased from your local DIY stores to be used around doors, windows and loft hatches whilst polyurethane foam can be used in larger spaces such as the attic.

Radiators

Regularly ‘bleeding’ your radiators is a quick way to ensure that the energy and warmth coming from these is being used efficiently as possible. Air can become trapped in radiators leading to them not heat-up in certain places or as quickly and the cause and effect of this is to turn the thermostat higher to feel the benefit of your heating. By bleeding your radiators once every few months you are removing any trapped air, improving their performance and could end up saving yourself money in the long run not just from your energy bills, but from a plumber call out charge too!

Also, consider moving any furniture away from your radiators that could be blocking the heat from circulating around your rooms.

Damp

Damp is a common problem many face in their homes and whilst ventilation is the key to controlling this problem, by opening to windows to ensure your home is ventilated, you are letting the cold air in and letting the warm air escape. So, what can be done?

Extraction fans are great for solving this problem and can be installed in rooms where damp is more likely to occur such as the kitchen and bathroom. This will allow any moisture to escape, without the need for constantly opening and closing your windows or doors. To further reduce condensation and damp and if budget allows, consider double glazing and insulation for your floors and walls.

If condensation is left, it can lead to mould which is much harder to get rid of, so it is best to take action early and save yourself the trouble and costs later down the line that come when mould is in the house.

Quick fixes

Leaky drains, flooding and heavy rainfall can wash away soil particles over time, causing the ground to slowly shift and become less stable.

• Keeping your heating at a constant low temperature to keep the house warmed through rather than allowing the temperature to rise and fall by turning the heating on and off. By keeping the heating on low for longer periods you and your house stay warmer for longer.
• Drying any wet washing in a room that can be closed off from the rest of your home where possible. When drying clothes, turn off the heating in this particular room and open the window for ventilation to allow your clothes to dry quicker and to stop any condensation.

Insuring your home

InsuraHome Home Insurance can help provide cover for you and your home from a number of perils such as fire, subsidence, earthquakes and may be able to offer protection where others may have declined in the past.

Policy Benefits under the Standard InsuraHome Buildings Insurance and Contents Insurance include:

• Loss or Damage caused by Fire, Smoke, Explosion, Lightning or Earthquake
• Loss or Damage caused by Storm, Hail or Weight of Snow
• Loss or Damage caused by Flood
• Loss or Damage caused by the escape of water
• A choice of policy excess – £100, £250, £500 or £1,000
• First time buyer discount
• Facility to transfer any no claims history from a previous insurer
• Covers the cost of alternative accommodation if your property is left uninhabitable due to an insured event
• Cover in case of Subsidence, Heave or Landslip is available!
• Accidental Damage cover is available

How do I get an Insurahome Home Insurance Quote?

At InsuraHome Home Insurance we aim to provide a first-class customer service experience to ensure you are getting the protection you require. To get an InsuraHome Home Insurance quote, download and complete an application form available on our website and email it to info@insurahome.co.uk

If you would like some assistance when completing your application form, do not hesitate to call our InsuraHome Second Home Insurance specialists on 01483 806 900.

This article is for information and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute advice in any way. The information provided here is correct at the time of writing however please check the latest policy wording here for the latest policy terms, conditions and exclusions.