You are currently viewing Your 2022 guide to the future of energy-efficient homes

Your 2022 guide to the future of energy-efficient homes

What does the future of our energy-efficient homes look like?

We have heard it in the news, through social media and family and friends. The environment is being damaged, and our energy bills are rising. We cannot continue on this current carbon footprint path, and something needs to be done to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and find a renewable energy source to power our homes, businesses and lives in general. So what does the future look like?

This month BES Electrical takes a deeper look into the future of energy-efficient homes and what this will mean for our electricity, world, and energy bills!

Green building revolution and cost-saving homes

We have come a long way in 20 years in the search for low-carbon energy options, and solar power is just one of the ways we are trying to take energy demands. A solar panel is a collection of cells that aim to absorb the suns rays and turn this energy into electricity and heating for our homes. It is no longer uncommon to see solar energy in the form of solar panels on our neighbours’ roofs. Installing solar panels is an excellent way to reduce your carbon emissions and lower your electricity bills whilst keeping up with your home energy demands.

Low-carbon heating options are also on the rise in homes across the UK. These options include looking at air source and ground source heat pumps, hybrid systems or wood heating to heat your home. These heating options aim to heat your home intelligently using existing air or materials to reduce your heating bills and dramatically lower your carbon emissions.

The future of building new homes is also shifting in its perspective. Architects, designers and house-builders are looking at ways to build eco-homes that not only use renewable energy sources but make the most of surroundings such as the sun and sustainable materials. The way the house is built, its ability to prevent heat loss and keep cold air out with efficient ventilation and installing energy-saving appliances will all work towards creating an innovative and sustainable future.

Six things you can be doing to become energy-efficient now

If you’re looking for ways to become energy-efficient in your home, there are several things you can put in place now to be ahead of the game in the future. These additions may also increase the value of your home if you plan to sell up.

Solar Power

Whilst you may baulk at the initial investment of installing solar panels on your roof, the benefits could see you getting a good return on your investment as well as lowering your electricity bills. According to the Energy Saving Trust, you could cut your electricity bills by between 15-25%. You could even make money by selling surplus electricity back to your supplier! Around 12 panels should produce enough power for a family of four.

Energy-saving appliances

Do you know the efficiency of your existing appliances? If you are trying to become more energy-efficient, this may be the first place to start. Take a look at your machine before purchasing and look out for the efficiency rating. A or A+++ is the most efficient of appliances, and these are the appliances you want to install for a more energy-efficient home. Don’t forget that appliances need to be disposed of carefully to avoid ending up in a landfill site. Check if you can dispose of your old appliance with the store you brought the new one from or find a local recycling centre.

Install a smart meter

Whilst a smart meter won’t control your energy bills for you, it does make the user much more aware of the cost of electricity in the home. Smart meters can help you see the significant impact that just a few small changes could make. Whether that’s turning off your appliances, making sure the lights are off or opting for air-drying your clothes rather than using a tumble dryer, your smart meter will make you an energy-saving expert.

Don’t leave your devices on standby

We don’t often think of our appliances being on standby as many are on 24 hours a day. But this can be a costly exercise that is relatively easy to avoid. Leaving your appliances on standby could be costing you around £40.00 per year. Why not look at a standby saver to help save you money? A standby saver can turn all your standby appliances off in one go, so you don’t have to worry about it!

Lower your washing temperature

Washing your clothes at a lower temperature will not only lower your CO2 emissions but could make your clothes last longer. By dropping your washing temperature from 60 degrees to 30 degrees, you will be saving up to 60% in energy. This is because it takes more energy to heat the water to a higher temperature. So simply turning down the dial will save your energy bill and the environment!

Energy-efficient lightbulbs

Switching to energy-saving bulbs can help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint. For every 60 watt bulb in the house, you can save up to £3.00 per year. In the coming years, we’re going to see a massive increase in the number of energy-efficient lighting options for the home. Today, LED bulbs can produce around the same light as a traditional 60-watt bulb but use much less energy. Technology is moving forward quickly, and we’ll see even more significant savings in just a few years.

This may also interest you:

Could switching to energy-efficient light bulbs save you money in 2022?

Advice from a qualified electrician – a year in review 2021

BES Electrical – Your local commercial electrician, supporting businesses throughout the home counties

BES Electrical is your local electrician supporting your energy-efficient homes

Energy-efficient homes are becoming more and more popular. As the cost of living continues to rise and energy costs continue to increase, people are looking for ways to save money, find renewable energy sources and reduce their carbon footprint. A massive step towards reducing your energy usage and saving money is to insulate your home effectively. Here at BES Electrical, we pride ourselves on offering the best electrical services in the Home Counties. We can ensure you have the best advice and guidance from our qualified electricians to create an energy-efficient home. Get in contact today for a free no-obligation quote for your home.