Make Your Extension Energy-Efficient with Home Improvements

As energy costs rise, it’s more important than ever to make your extension energy-efficient. Doing so will help lower your energy bills, keep your home comfortable all year and add to its value over time. Choosing sustainable options for your extension can make your home cosier in winter and cooler in summer. Better still, you’ll save money along the way. In this blog, we’ll guide you through simple, practical, energy-efficient home improvements you can make to your extension.

Whether you’re updating a current space or building anew, these upgrades will cut energy use and enhance your comfort at home.

The Key to Retaining Heat is Insulation

Insulation is one of the most important upgrades you can make to improve your extension’s energy efficiency. The Energy Saving Trust (EST) states that good insulation cuts energy use and costs. Some households could save hundreds of pounds each year by using effective energy efficiency measures.

The reasons for this are that insulation:

• Keeps heat in during winter and prevents overheating in summer.
• Regulates temperature to ensure year-round comfort.
• Lowers energy consumption, reducing reliance on expensive heating or cooling.

To improve insulation, consider these options:

• PIR insulation (Polyisocyanurate) is a highly effective thermal material.
• Eco-friendly options like recycled denim are both sustainable and efficient.

For roof insulation, EST says that UK Building Regulations require a minimum of 270mm thickness. However, experts recommend 300mm or more for optimal performance.

Energy-Efficient Windows & Doors

Windows and doors often let heat escape from homes. This is particularly true for extensions that are more exposed to the elements outside. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows is a great way to keep heat in. This helps your extension stay comfortable all year without depending too much on your heating system.

Double or triple-glazed windows are highly effective at preventing heat from escaping. When choosing windows, look for those with low U-values, as these measure how well the window insulates. The lower the U-value, the better the window performs at retaining heat. Investing in high-performance windows may cost more upfront. However, GOV data shows that switching from single to double glazing can save a lot of energy over time.

We offer a variety of energy-efficient windows and doors designed to meet your home’s unique needs. Each comes in a variety of styles and finishes to help you enhance your extension’s design and increase energy efficiency. Whether you choose bifold doors or French doors, they can make your extension more cosy and energy-efficient.

For information on UK regulations about energy-efficient windows, visit the UK Building Regulations. It has details on the most up-to-date U-values for new builds and extensions.

Efficient Heating Systems

Heating an extension can be one of the highest ongoing costs if not managed effectively. The great news is that selecting the right heating system can reduce your energy bills and keep your extension cosy.

Underfloor heating is one of the most efficient methods for heating your extension:

• Unlike radiators, which only heat certain areas, it keeps your room at a steady temperature.
• Operating at a lower temperature, underfloor heating can reduce heating costs by 15-40%.
• Ideal for open-plan extensions, where standard radiators often struggle to heat evenly.

If you choose to go with traditional radiators, consider the following:

• Ensure radiators are positioned in a way that maximises their effectiveness and avoids heat loss.
• Upgrade to a high-efficiency condensing boiler. Moving from a G-rated boiler to an A-rated one with full heating controls can save £420 every year in Great Britain.

Incorporating an energy-efficient heating system in your extension is an investment that pays off over time. If you want to be even more efficient, try combining your system with renewable energy options, such as solar water heating. Research by Uswitch shows that by reducing the flow temperature on a combi boiler to 60°C or less, the average household can save £65 annually.

Good Ventilation Ensures Air Quality Without Wasting Energy

Good ventilation is essential for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. However, it’s crucial to ensure that ventilation doesn’t lead to unnecessary heat loss.

Here’s how to achieve energy-efficient ventilation:

• Use skylights and roof vents to allow fresh air to flow freely through your extension. This can reduce the need for electric cooling or air conditioning, especially on warm days.
• Roof windows bring in natural light. This lowers the need for artificial lighting and makes the space feel bright and welcoming.
• Adding blinds to your windows and skylights helps control sunlight. This can cut down on artificial lighting and improve temperature control.

Focusing on natural ventilation methods can boost air quality, keep your extension comfy, and lower energy use. Best of all, you can achieve all this without costly mechanical systems. Good ventilation is also integral to meeting UK Building Regulations Part F. This regulation sets standards for air quality in homes while also promoting energy efficiency.

Harness the Power of the Sun with Renewable Energy

Adding renewable energy systems to your extension is a great way to reduce energy consumption and lower your carbon footprint. These systems can make a significant difference to your energy bills in the long run.

Here’s how to make the most of renewable energy:

• Solar panels create electricity for your extension, so you rely less on traditional energy sources. If your system produces more electricity than you use, you can sell the surplus back to the grid, saving even more money.
• Solar water heating systems can provide up to 70% of your hot water needs throughout the year. By using solar energy instead of gas or electricity, you’ll reduce both your energy bills and your environmental impact.
• Link your solar panels to an energy storage system. This way, you can store extra energy for cloudy days or evenings and cut down your reliance on the grid.
• Investing in renewable energy solutions is a great way to make your space more sustainable. It boosts energy efficiency, saves you money, and benefits the planet at the same time. EST have shared details about financial support for home energy upgrades. This includes interest-free loans of up to £7,500 in certain areas.

Transform Your Extension into an Energy-Efficient Space

Making your extension energy-efficient helps reduce your energy bills. It’s also an excellent investment in your home’s comfort and sustainability. To recap, keep your extension comfortable all year by installing:

• Insulation and heating
• Energy-efficient windows and doors
• And renewable energy solutions

At Single Storey Extensions, we’re dedicated to helping homeowners save energy, improve comfort and cut costs. Our modular extension kits offer superb thermal performance and meet all building regulations. This makes it simpler for you to create an eco-friendly and cost-effective space.

Call 0331 6302551 or arrange a free consultation and build a more energy-efficient extension.