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Eco-Friendly Upgrades for an Energy-Efficient Home
Lifestyle
Creating an energy-efficient home isn’t just beneficial for reducing utility bills; it’s about building a more comfortable, healthier, and environmentally responsible living space. By making the right upgrades, like installing high-performance aluminium doors or adopting renewable energy sources, you can reduce your energy use, shrink your carbon footprint, and increase the value of your property.
In this guide, we’ll explore simple yet effective ways to make your home more energy-efficient and sustainable.
How Upgrading to an Eco-Friendly Home Can Benefit You
- Reduced Energy Bills: Save on energy costs by maintaining pleasant indoor temperatures with less power.
- Lowered Carbon Footprint: Decrease energy consumption and help combat climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
- Increased Property Value: Eco-friendly homes are increasingly appealing to buyers and can achieve higher resale values. According to a 2023 Censuswide survey, over half (57%) of UK consumers are willing to pay a premium for properties equipped with renewable or low-carbon energy solutions, such as solar panels, heat pumps, or EV chargers.
- Improved Air Quality: Proper insulation and ventilation reduce pollutants and allergens, creating a healthier living space.
- Less Maintenance: Many energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials, such as aluminium, are designed to last longer and require minimal upkeep.
Eco-friendly Upgrade Ideas
Here are 7 innovative and practical ways to make your home more energy-efficient and eco-friendly:
1) Superior Insulation
Upgrading your home’s insulation is a simple and impactful way to boost energy efficiency. It stabilises indoor temperatures by reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, potentially cutting up to 900 kilograms of CO2e annually, according to Climate Action Wales.
The financial benefits are also notable. For instance, increasing roof insulation from 120mm to 270mm can save approximately £20 per year in Great Britain and £25 per year in Northern Ireland. Over time, these savings add up, making improved insulation an eco-friendly and cost-effective investment.
Windows and doors are also key to insulation, so opt for thermally broken aluminium frames and double glazing to reduce heat loss. At Express, we offer high-quality solutions designed to minimise thermal bridging, keeping your home snug while cutting down energy costs.
2) Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential for creating an energy-efficient and eco-friendly home, working seamlessly with insulation to optimise comfort and performance. Without adequate airflow, moisture can accumulate, leading to condensation, dampness, and mould; issues that can harm both your property and indoor air quality.
Upgrading to bifold or sliding doors is a practical and stylish way to improve ventilation while staying eco-conscious. These doors facilitate natural airflow, helping to regulate humidity and maintain a healthier indoor environment. Features like traffic doors or adjustable panels provide added flexibility, allowing you to control airflow based on your needs.
3) Windows and Doors
Upgrading to thermally efficient windows and doors is an effective way to reduce heat loss and lower energy bills:
- Double Glazing: Replacing single-glazed windows with double glazing can save up to £140 annually in Great Britain and £160 in Northern Ireland.
- Thermal Breaks: Thermally broken aluminium frames, combined with Low-E coatings and double glazing, can reduce heat transfer by as much as 50%.
- Warm Edge Spacer Bars: These innovative features cut heat loss by up to 94%, making a noticeable difference in energy efficiency.
At Express, we offer premium thermally broken aluminium frames designed to meet the highest energy performance standards. With everything from front doors to French doors, bay windows to skylights, we provide bespoke, professionally installed products that help make your home more energy-efficient and enjoyable.
4) Sustainable Materials
Using sustainable materials in your home is a practical way to support green living. Options like recycled metals, reclaimed wood, and low-impact concrete are excellent for creating robust and environmentally responsible designs. Our products are crafted with premium-grade aluminium, a strong and fully recyclable material that aligns perfectly with energy-efficient construction.
Upcycling is another effective way to reduce waste. Repurposing old furniture or materials such as tiles not only minimises landfill but also brings unique character to your home while supporting sustainability.
5) Renewable Energy Sources
Adding renewable energy solutions like solar panels or heat pumps can make your home much more energy-efficient. Solar thermal panels turn sunlight into electricity, while heat pumps provide heating, cooling, and hot water by using temperature differences between the indoors and outdoors. Smart home technology, such as smart thermostats, can also be paired with renewable energy sources to help manage energy use.
At Express, we offer Performance Glass, a low-E, thermally efficient product with a solar control coating. Ideal for large, glazed areas, it balances heat and light effectively, featuring a G-value of 43% and 66% light transmittance. It’s perfect for curtain walling, glazed apexes, and sliding or bifold doors, helping maintain a comfortable indoor environment and an eco-friendlier home.
6) Energy-Efficient Lighting
Lighting accounts for 11% of the average UK household’s electricity consumption. By switching to LED bulbs, you can significantly decrease your energy usage and lower carbon emissions. LED lights consume less power and last longer, making them an affordable and environmentally friendly choice.
In addition to energy-efficient lighting, consider maximising natural light in your home. Features like bifold doors, sliding doors, and glass roof lights allow sunlight to flood your living spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting throughout the day. Not only does this lower your energy bills, but it also creates a brighter, more inviting atmosphere in your home.
7) Everyday Practices
Simple daily changes can make a substantial difference in your home’s energy efficiency and sustainability. Here are a few easy habits to adopt:
- Use compost bins to dispose of organic waste.
- Choose eco-friendly household products to reduce your environmental impact.
- Install water-saving fixtures and consider rainwater harvesting to conserve water.
- Recycle as much as possible and reduce the use of single-use plastics.
- Turn off appliances and lights when not in use to save energy.
By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can make a positive difference in your home’s energy efficiency while supporting a more sustainable lifestyle.
Build a Greener Future with Express
From upgrading insulation to investing in sustainable materials and adopting eco-conscious habits, each change you make helps contribute to a greener future. At Express, we’re proud to offer high-quality aluminium systems that blend performance, energy efficiency, and contemporary design. Whether you’re interested in bifold doors, sliding doors, or aluminium windows, our thermally broken products are built to meet the highest standards for energy performance, with U-values as low as 1.1.
Our expert team is ready to assist you throughout your home renovation journey. Get in touch today for a personalised quote, consult with our knowledgeable staff, and visit our showrooms to explore our wide range of products. We’re here to help you bring your eco-friendly home to life!
