SAVE ENERGY AND LOWER YOUR BILLS

Improving your home’s energy efficiency not only cuts costs but also reduces your environmental footprint. With rising energy prices and growing awareness of climate change, making small changes can lead to big savings over time. This guide offers practical tips to help you improve energy efficiency in your home, whether you’re looking for quick fixes or long-term investments.

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Keep the cool in and the heat out

Insulating your home is one of the most effective ways to save energy. Poor insulation leads to heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, making your cooling or heating system work harder and increasing your energy bills.

Where to focus insulation efforts:

• Ceiling insulation: A large portion of heat enters or escapes through the roof. Ensure you have sufficient insulation in the ceiling to maintain indoor temperatures.

• Wall insulation: Insulating walls, particularly those exposed to direct sunlight, reduces indoor heat.

• Floor insulation: In homes with suspended floors, insulating beneath the floorboards can help, though this is less common in South African homes.

Draught-proofing steps:

1. Seal gaps around windows and doors: Use weatherstripping or silicone sealant to close any gaps.

2. Install draught excluders: Place excluders along the bottom of doors.

3. Use thermal curtains or blinds: Thick curtains or blinds help insulate windows and keep cool air inside during summer and warm air in during winter.

4. Seal cracks and gaps: Check walls and ceilings for small cracks and seal them to prevent air leaks.

Cooling and heating efficiency

A well-maintained air conditioning system uses less energy to keep your home comfortable. Simple changes to how you cool or heat your home can lead to significant savings.

Tips for improving efficiency:

• Install ceiling fans: Ceiling fans use less energy than air conditioning and can help circulate air to keep rooms cool.