How to Prepare Your Home for an Energy-Saving Winter: The Power of Air Source Heat Pumps

As summer comes to an end and the temperatures start to drop, it's time to start thinking about how to keep your home warm and cosy during the colder and darker winter months. 

As energy bills continue to soar, it’s vital that homeowners find efficient ways to save energy that not only helps the environment but also keeps utility bills in check. In this blog, we delve into how you can prepare your home for an energy-saving winter.

Properly insulate your home 

According to Northern Energy, poor wall insulation accounts for 35-45% of home heat loss.

Ideally, you want to take a look at your home’s insulation before the colder months, so that you have enough time to rectify it.

When your home is properly insulated, it prevents warm air from escaping, reducing the need to constantly heat your home. Check windows, doors, and walls for drafts, and consider adding weatherstripping or caulking where needed. Insulating your loft and walls can also make a substantial difference in heat retention.

Seal any leaks and cracks

Research by Livingwood shows that leaks along windows typically account for 10% of total heat lost in a home, along with cracks in walls. Inspect your home for gaps around windows, doors, and other openings and apply sealant or install draft excluders to prevent cold air from infiltrating your living spaces. A well-sealed home not only conserves energy but also provides a more comfortable living environment.

Upgrade to Smart Thermostats

Invest in a smart thermostat to gain better control over your home's heating. Smart thermostats allow you to set customised schedules, adjust temperatures remotely, and even learn your preferences over time. This technology ensures that you're only using energy when you need it, enhancing overall comfort and savings.

Harness the power of natural sunlight

Take advantage of natural sunlight during the day by keeping curtains open to let the sun's warmth in. Once the sun sets, close the curtains to keep the heat from escaping. This simple practice can supplement your heating efforts and help maintain a comfortable temperature indoors.

Install an air source heat pump 

A great alternative to traditional boilers, air source heat pumps (ASHPs) extract heat from the outside air and use it to warm up your home. They work efficiently even in temperatures as low as -20°C, providing consistent heating while using significantly less energy compared to boilers. ASHPs can also be used for cooling during the summer months, making them a versatile solution for year-round comfort.

While the initial outlay for an air source heat pump is expensive, it reduces energy bills in the long term, as they are 400% efficient compared to new gas boilers being 90% efficient.  

For every kW of electricity you put in our MCS approved air source heat pump, you get 4kW of energy out. There are also several government grants available to help offset the cost of ASHP installation, including the boiler upgrade scheme. 
Interested in finding out how much money you can save on your energy bills with an air source heat pump? Speak to Enula today!