Investing in your home is rarely a bad idea but, thanks to increasingly clever technology, there are certain upgrades you can make which will start recouping your cash right away.
In fact, over time, it could save you more than you spent out on them in the first place. If that wasn’t good enough, you’ll be doing your bit for the environment, too, as all of these options will reduce your carbon footprint.
Invest in new air con
How much your air conditioning costs to run can vary greatly depending on the type of system you have, how old it is, and its efficiency rating. Generally speaking, old or cheap units are going to cost more to run than their newer or more expensive counterparts.
While the efficiency of air conditioning units is improving, especially if you’re willing to splash out on a better model, there are some start-ups working on even greater advancements. Transaera are working on separating the cooling and dehumidifying elements for better efficiency, and SkyCool Systems are taking advantage of something known as ‘radiative cooling’, to name just a couple.
Some units, such as Samsung Wind Free air conditioner, are even embracing the latest AI technology to maximise efficiency by analysing data, including room conditions, preferred cooling modes and the outdoor climate. The SmartThings App also allows users to control their unit remotely.
Replace loft insulation
Most people aren’t aware of how loft insulation can degrade over time, potentially allowing pests or mould to flourish in a loft space, as well as creating a massive energy drain.
There are lots of modern solutions to insulation issues; gone are the days where fiberglass rolls was the only option. Now, depending on your property’s build, you can opt for anything from foam boards to insulating concrete foam.
To find out more about the different types of insulation available, Attic Construction, which carries out Orange County insulation removal and installation, has more information on their website.
With so much heat being lost through the roof, properly insulating it can save you a fortune.
New appliances
Updating your appliances can also be a huge money saver. Upgrading your old C rated fridge freezer and replacing it with an A+++ rated one might save you as much as £113 per year on that one appliance alone.
Replacing your old washing machine and dishwasher at the same time could add up to a combined saving of £194.
Another clever bit of tech that can reduce your energy consumption is the smart plug. By allowing you to monitor appliances and electrical devices remotely, turn them off via an app and discover which are responsible for the biggest phantom load (the energy used when your devices are not in use), you can cut down your energy bills even further.
Probably the easiest and fastest upgrade you can carry out in your home, though, is simply changing your lightbulbs. Lightbulb technology has come on at lightning speed in recent years, and the energy saving opportunity is probably bigger than you’d imagine.
Old fashioned bulbs could only convert about 10% of their energy to light, while the new LED style converts more than 90%. That’s quite a leap. They also have a lifespan of more than three decades versus about a year-and-a-half for the old style incandescent.
The Guardian has reported that over a period of 25 years, savings to the tune of £2,975 could be achieved in an average-sized home.
