Over 30% of UK homeowners want to prioritise energy efficiency, making it a top home improvement priority. But how do they know which changes are worth investing in? This is where professional architects, engineers, and builders come in.
As a construction professional, you should be ready to advise your clients on how to improve energy efficiency. Get to grips with the upgrades that actually make a difference in this guide and steer your clients in the right direction.
Insulating Windows
Heat escapes through single-glazing twice as fast as double-glazed windows. This makes switching out single-glazing one of the best ways to improve energy efficiency, keeping homes warmer for longer.
Opting for double-glazing isn’t always possible, though. Properties with old timber frames can run into issues trying to upgrade their glass, while in conservation areas, strict rules around the style of homes can make it a no-go. In these cases, offer your clients alternatives that, while not double-glazing, still do a great job at retaining warmth in the home.
Adding thick curtains, for instance, is a quick upgrade that creates a barrier between draughty windows and the rest of the home. Specifically, look for thermal curtains (often referred to as blackout curtains) for maximum heat retention.
You can also deal with draughts by sealing any gaps or cracks in the window frames. This isn’t a tricky job for a professional and can make a huge difference for clients trying to save energy.
Improving Wall and Roof Insulation
Walls and roofs are often forgotten about when looking at energy efficiency, but if they’re not insulated well, the property’s going to lose masses of heat.
The good news? Adding insulation doesn’t have to be expensive, making it a popular home upgrade. Loft insulation, in particular, is a cost-effective method of improving energy efficiency, and there’s a range of sustainable materials available to add to the project’s green credentials, like wool or recycled cellulose.
Walls can be slightly trickier to insulate. Cavity walls are the simplest, with newer builds often containing a gap (cavity) that you can fill with insulation. In older homes, however, it can be more costly to add insulation, so make sure you’ve brushed up on the benefits before pitching to your clients.
Adding Smart Upgrades
Smart homes are driven by efficiency. These spaces incorporate technology in functional, purposeful ways, creating properties that feel intuitively and consciously designed. Some of the most effective smart upgrades for improving energy efficiency include:
- Smart lighting: Use sensors to automatically turn off lights when there’s no movement in a space. You can also use smart lighting to adjust brightness depending on daylight, reducing unnecessary energy use.
- Smart thermostats: Control heating remotely, making it easier to switch off from afar and easily set your thermostat to an efficient schedule.
- Device timers: Ensure appliances and electronics only run when needed, preventing devices in standby from increasing electricity consumption.
- Smart plugs: Turn ordinary devices on and off remotely using a smart plug. It’s a simple upgrade that makes it easy to turn off energy-hungry devices, even when you’re out and about.
Many smart devices also allow homeowners to monitor and track their energy usage. If your client wants to gain more control of their energy spending, this could be the recommendation they’re looking for.
Installing Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are increasingly popular in the UK, with 2024 seeing a 63% increase in installations. As a sustainable, efficient approach to heating a home, it’s not hard to see why.
Heat pumps work by drawing in heat from outside the property or from the ground beneath the house, depending on the system you’re installing. It’s essentially a way to transfer warmth, and can be used to heat homes and water without consuming a whole lot of energy.
Air source heat pumps are typically the easiest to install, making them better suited to quick projects. Ground source heat pumps require a larger area and installing them can be more intrusive, but they’re generally considered the most efficient option once they’re up and running.
Keep an eye out for heat pump grants for your clients. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme, for instance, provides homeowners with £7,500 towards the cost of either an air source or ground source heat pump, helping everyone cut back on inefficient energy use. Read our advice on applying for grants to learn more.
Opting for Carpet
Just like windows and walls, homes lose a surprising amount of heat through their floors. Hard flooring materials such as wood, tile, or laminate allow warmth to escape quickly, especially in older properties with little or no floor insulation.
If your client has a home like this, consider installing carpet. This acts as a layer of insulation, helping properties stay warmer without consuming more electricity or gas. A dense, high-quality underlay is a great addition to carpets, adding even more insulation for a cosy, comfy home.
Of course, not every homeowner wants to cover wood or tile floors. In these cases, suggest using large, thick rugs as a practical alternative that isn’t quite as daunting.
Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting
Lighting accounts for a hefty portion of electricity use, making it one of the easiest areas to improve efficiency in your clients’ homes.
In fact, replacing traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs with LED alternatives can reduce energy consumption by up to 80% for a small change that packs a punch. Why not recommend pairing LEDs with the smart lighting mentioned above for a super-efficient system?
These bulbs also tend to last longer, creating less waste for a more sustainable household. It’s a win-win switch that’s super easy to implement.
Final Thoughts
Helping your clients upgrade their homes and boost energy efficiency is a must. In an increasingly eco-conscious world and with electricity costs on the rise, these home improvements are only going to become more integral to your services.
Whether you’re a builder, engineer, designer, or architect, we hope this article has given you the insights you need to ensure you’re ready when your clients ask for your advice. For more helpful guides, be sure to check out the UK Construction blog.