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ENERGY-SAVING HOME IMPROVEMENTS

If your utility bills were high last winter, you may be able to lower them this year by making some smart alterations to your home now. Being energy efficient doesn’t have to cost a lot of money—it’s possible to make a big difference for very little outlay.

Insulate for the Greatest Savings

A sure-fire way to lower your heating bills is to improve the insulation in your property. Whether it’s the attic, walls or pipes, proper insulation makes a difference.

Insulate the attic. You can save heating costs by laying a fibreglass insulation blanket over the joists or filling the spaces between joists with loose-fill granules. Since up to 25% of your home’s heat is lost through the roof, you should recoup the cost within a few years.

Check existing insulation. Older houses often have only a thin layer of insulation. Ideally, it should be at least 20 cm (8 in.) deep. Top it up by 10–15 cm (4–6 in.) and you could be more comfortable and save money on heating costs.

Insulate the pipes. Insulate hot-water pipes with electric heat tape or flexible foam tubing, which you can buy from a plumbers’ supply or DIY store. You could save more than just the cost of lost heat—proper insulation helps to stop pipes freezing and bursting in winter.

Insulate the hot-water tank. Put an 8 cm (3 in.) thick insulating jacket around your hot-water tank to reduce heat loss by up to 75%. Check the owner’s manual to make sure a blanket is recommended for your model.