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4 Effective Ways To Maximise The Energy Efficiency Of Your Home

As energy prices continue to rise and resources become more limited, many homeowners are actively seeking ways to optimise the energy efficiency of their homes. Not only can this help lower utility bills, but it also plays a crucial role in reducing your environmental impact.

Unfortunately, many older homes in Australia are notorious for leaking energy, particularly through windows, roofs, and uninsulated floors. 

This results in higher energy bills and creates discomfort, with homes often feeling too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. However, there are simple yet effective strategies you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency without stretching your budget. 

Here are four practical steps that you can make a significant difference.

1. Add a Roof Blanket

One of the most effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency is by ensuring your roof is properly insulated. The roof is one of the main culprits for energy loss, as heat can escape during the winter or accumulate during the summer, making it harder to maintain comfortable temperatures inside.

Installing a roof blanket underneath your colorbond roof can significantly help regulate the temperature in your roof or ceiling cavity. 

This is especially important if your home relies heavily on an air conditioning system. Proper insulation reduces the temperature difference between your roof and the rooms below, which means your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable environment. This can lead to noticeably lower energy bills while keeping your home cozy in winter and cool in summer. Moreover, upgrading your roof insulation is a long-term investment that pays off, both in terms of energy savings and the increased comfort of your living space.

2. Install Energy-Efficient Windows

Glass is one of the biggest sources of energy loss in a home. If your windows have thin glazing or are not installed correctly, they allow warm air to escape during the winter and cool air to leak out in the summer, causing your heating or cooling systems to work overtime. This can result in skyrocketing energy bills.

One highly effective solution is installing double-glazed windows. Double glazing adds an extra layer of insulation by creating an air gap between two panes of glass, reducing heat transfer significantly. This makes your windows much more efficient in keeping your home’s temperature stable throughout the year.  Additionally, proper installation of the window is key. Ensuring that windows are fitted tightly and sealed correctly will prevent drafts and further reduce energy loss. For homes in areas prone to extreme weather, opting for low-E glass can also help by reflecting heat away in the summer and keeping warmth in during the winter. This not only improves energy efficiency but also makes your home more comfortable when it is really hot outside.

3. Think about your Floor Coverings

In older homes with timber flooring, you typically only have about 20mm of timber between your feet and the dirt below. Adding insulation batts to this type of floor is ideal to improve your energy efficiency, but it can be impractical and expensive. 

There is however a more budget-friendly and practical approach to fixing the cold draughts that can come up through your floor. You can simply add a new floor covering over the existing floorboards and this comes with 2 main benefits:

  • When you lay a new floating floor or carpet, there is an underlay that is first installed and this acts as an insulation layer to help plug up the cold draughts and improve your energy efficiency 
  • You also get to choose a new floor covering and you can refresh the look of your entire home

Installing carpets in bedrooms and other living areas is a great and cost effective way to upgrade your home’s look and increase its efficiency. If carpet is not for you and you love the look of your solid timber floors, consider adding a rug to enhance the insulation effect. 

This small change is very cost effective and can have a surprisingly positive impact on your home’s overall energy efficiency as it reduces the workload of your air conditioning system. By focusing on a cost effective way to insulate your floors, you’ll make your home more energy-efficient and cut down on heating and cooling costs.

4. Install Solar Panels

After improving your home’s insulation, windows, and flooring, the next step is harnessing renewable energy and you do that by installing solar panels. Solar energy is an excellent way to reduce your reliance on the grid and lower your electricity bills.

But first ensuring that your home is as energy-efficient as possible, solar panels become even more effective. Once your home’s energy consumption is reduced, you’ll need fewer solar panels to meet your energy needs, making the investment more affordable and efficient. Additionally, you may even generate excess electricity that can be sold back to the grid, further improving your financial savings over time.

Solar panels also contribute to a sustainable future by reducing your carbon footprint. In the long run, they will help you recover the initial investment and offer greater financial freedom from rising energy costs.

The Benefits of an Energy-Efficient Home

By implementing these strategies, you not only reduce your energy bills but also create a more comfortable and healthy living environment for your family. A well-insulated home with proper windows and solar power will stabilise indoor temperatures and enhance your overall comfort.

These initiatives may seem small individually, but together, they make a significant impact on your home’s energy usage. And while many of these changes can be applied to older homes, they are equally beneficial for new builds as well.

If you’re considering renovating or building a new home, it’s essential to work with a professional builder who understands the importance of energy efficiency. An experienced builder can guide you on the best solutions for your home and help you implement the right energy-saving strategies.

Download our FREE guide, “6 Essential Things You Must Do For A Successful Home Renovation,” to learn more about how you can create a sustainable, energy-efficient home. Whether you’re upgrading an older property or building new, this guide will provide you with practical tips and valuable insights to ensure your project is a success.

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