How do I know if my home is not energy efficient?

How to Know If Your Home Is Not Energy Efficient

Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to determine if your home is energy efficient. Here are some common signs that your home may be losing energy:

High Energy Bills

If your energy bills are significantly higher than average, this could indicate that your home is not energy efficient. Comparing your bills with those of similar homes can provide you some clue. The Furbnow Home Energy Plan will give you an analysis of your current bills and what they could be reduced to with energy efficient measures.

Draughty Rooms

Feeling drafts around windows, doors, or other areas indicates that your home is not well-sealed. These drafts can cause your heating system to work harder, increasing energy consumption. However, in some older buildings, the draft may be part of the “natural ventilation” so you must have a qualified survey before making any major decisions leading to other knock-on problems such as poorer air quality or mould.

Uneven Temperatures

If some rooms are warmer or cooler than others, it might mean that your home’s insulation or heating system is not working efficiently. A Furbnow Home Energy Plan will look at the condition of each room in your house and suggest the measures needed to rectify this.

Frequent Heating System Use

If your heating system runs constantly, it might be compensating for poor insulation or air leaks.

Condensation on Windows

Excessive condensation on windows can be a sign of poor insulation and inadequate ventilation, which can lead to higher energy usage and potential health issues.

Mould

Dampness caused by issues like poor ventilation can also cause black mould around windows and on walls. The Health impact of this mould is well reported, and the correct energy efficiency measures can look to remove the cause of mould.

Impact on Home and Family

Reduced Comfort

A home that is not energy efficient can be uncomfortable to live in, with fluctuating temperatures making some areas too hot and others too cold.

Health Risks

Poor insulation and ventilation can lead to dampness and mould, which can cause respiratory issues and other health problems for your family.

Increased Environmental Footprint

An energy-inefficient home uses more energy, contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions and a larger carbon footprint.

Higher Maintenance Costs

Homes that are not energy efficient often require more frequent maintenance and repairs due to issues like condensation, dampness, and wear on heating systems.

If you are worried about your energy efficiency, get in touch and we can talk through your options, or get a free quote for a Home Energy Plan, the start of any energy efficiency project.