what is the best way to make a house energy efficient?

Question

im using energy saving bulbs

have got cavity walls insulated

ive doudle glazed windows

what else can i do?

Answer 1

Don't touch electric heaters with a barge pole, dont buy a widescreen tv as they sap power. Make sure you turn your appliances off, not leave them on standby. Draft stoppers on the front and back door, will stop any nasty drafts. Make sure theres insulation in the loft and thick curtains to cover the windows at night. Hmm a water butt for the garden attached to your guttering means watering the garden is free. A brick in the toilet cistern will save a few litres of water. Probably the best way to save energy is not to use it in the first place. Carpets keep the floor warm but rugs in good spots are just as good. A-Energy rated appliances will save you money in the long run but unless you recycle your old one, the toxic chemicals wont benefit the environment.
Theres also plenty of renewable energy sources such as mini wind turbines and solar panels. Geothermal enegry from underground is cheap but its best to have a bit of land to spead it out over. They may be costly now and require planning permission so it may be best to wait for the prices to drop.
Excuse my rambling

Answer 2

Look up POROTON, that is a man made material for building homes that has an extremely high installation coefficient.

That means, it keeps out both cold and heat, nearly eliminating the need for energy to support warmth or coolness.

Insulate completely outside wall and the total roof.

Use floor heating with water to heat the house, requires a very low water temperature. You cannot walk on floors heated with HOT water! Does not require oil heater!

Use Solar panels to support electricity requirements.

Build house with full basement and finish the basement. But bedroom and master bath in this lower area. Little or no need for heating or cooling.

Germany beats America to death when it comes to building energy efficient homes!

Answer 3

switch off all sockets at night - have a shower not a bath - before puttin on the heating put on a billion layers of clothes - RECYCLE - work away from home then you wont have any bills -lol

get an induction hob as they are 98% efficient - and get a ''smart box'' to monitor your electric consumption which will make your ears prick up when you see what you are wasting by keeping sockts and lights etc switched on blahblah

Answer 4

as your house is pretty well sussed try a few lifestyle tips as well,
1. always turn the lights off when not in use,
2. use fluorescents and don't turn them off (they still last for years and turning them on and off 3 times a day uses more electricity than leaving them on all the time)
3. buy a "heat pump" for heating (try a search engine)
4. turn all electrical goods off (not on standby) as this uses up to 80% of the electricity as when the object is on
5. use curtains
6. solar panels for water heating (also a "heat pump" is good for this)
7. loft insulation
8. seal draughts (accounts for anything up to 40% of heat loss)
9. can't be arsed anymore

Answer 5

making sure all the place is weatherised /sealed around the doors and windows.
some energy companies will come out and test energy efficiency free and some repair is free depending on where you live.

also replace old appliances.
your local govt and energy provider should have the info

Answer 6

I would suggest going to your local authority, they will tell you all you need to know AND they are giving money away for these things like money is going out of fashion! Environmental issues are all the rage with government and local authorities. Try your hand its amazing what you can get if you ask. Don't ask don't get! simple as that

Answer 7

turn off all lights in rooms that are not being used
unplug appliance's when not in use
Have Temperture set at 68 degrees doing the winter months
Have Temperture set at 70 in the Summer months

Hope this HELPS
Oh Night lights @ night forthe kids

Answer 8

adjust your heating times and temperature.keep thermostat to 1 degree less than normal
avoid using kettle for tea
shower instead of bath
get aspecial water-saving shower
optimize cooking to balance microwaving leftovers versus cooking fresh only
loadup your freezer but keep the refrigerator as empty as possible
switch off tv,pc,music systems and their accessories/chargers when not in use
do not dry clothers on radiators

Answer 9

make sure ur windows AND doors have no leaks on any of the tops or sides.. move ur hot water temperature down be it gas or electric. make sure ur washing machine and dishwasher if u have them are full, make sure ur dryer lint screen is clean so it doesn't have to work harder. and turn ur heat or a/c up or down depending on the weather. down for heat, up for a/c. good luck

Answer 10

going to natural gas and appliances help. Cost at first but saves in the long run.