Whether you're a long-time homeowner or you’re thinking about selling, keeping energy costs low not only saves you money but can also increase the appeal of your home to potential buyers.

Here are some practical tips to help you save on energy bills and enhance the overall energy efficiency of your home.

Unplug your devices

‘Phantom electricity’ is the energy that your electronics consume while they’re on turned off, but still plugged in. While unplugging might seem like an unnecessary measure, phantom power is estimated to account for almost a quarter of an average energy bill! *

Unplug your devices and appliances at night or before you leave the house, and you’ll notice the benefits when your next energy bill comes in.

Draught-proof windows and doors

Unless your home is brand-new, it’s easy for heat to escape through draughts around windows and doors, gaps in the floor, or through the chimney. Professional draught-proofing is a fairly affordable investment which will certainly save you money in the long run. However, if you’re happy carrying out a few DIY tasks, you can still see great results from DIY draught-proofing. Methods include:

• Self-adhesive foam strips for windows
• Letterbox flaps and brushes
• Chimney draught-excluders
• Flexible fillers for floorboards

Install a smart meter

A smart meter can help you both monitor and reduce the energy you’re using at home. They offer real-time data on energy usage and costs and send readings automatically to your supplier, meaning there’s no need for estimated bills.

Some smart metres also have settings that can reduce energy consumption when the house is empty or during peak hours.

Invest in insulation

One of the most effective ways to reduce your energy bills is by improving your home’s insulation. Poorly insulated homes lose a significant amount of heat through the walls, roof, and floors. While there is an upfront cost, the long-term savings on heating bills can be substantial, and the improved Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating could make your property more attractive to buyers. 

Loft insulation is quick and easy to install, and the benefits are endless. It’s estimated that a quarter of heat is lost through the roof of an uninsulated home, and if installed correctly, lost insulation should pay for itself many times over its 40-year lifespan. *

Upgrade your boiler

An old, inefficient boiler can be a significant drain on your energy resources. Modern condensing boilers are much more energy-efficient and can save you hundreds of pounds a year in heating costs. If your boiler is more than 10 years old, it might be worth considering an upgrade. Some homeowners may also qualify for grants or subsidies to help with the cost of a new boiler, so it’s worth exploring your options.

Consider an energy supplier switch

Don’t just accept the energy tariff you’re currently on – shopping around could save you a lot of money. Use comparison websites to check if there are better deals available and consider switching to a fixed-rate tariff to protect yourself against future price hikes. Many energy companies also offer green energy tariffs, which could align with your sustainability goal and make your home more appealing to eco-minded buyers.

Energy saving trust*

Your home is your most valuable asset, so your choice of agent shouldn’t be taken lightly. Working with an expert you can trust is crucial to the outcome of your sale, so you’ll need to conduct some research to ensure your decision is well-informed.

Here are the key indicators of a good agent:

Local presence and experience

A reliable agent will be experienced in selling properties similar to yours and well-versed in the intricacies of your local market. Make sure they can provide you with local insights such as trends, values, and any potential changes. You’ll often find that reputable businesses have a visceral local presence, with ‘SOLD’ boards all around and a comprehensive website full of details about the community.

Integrity

An accurate valuation is the key to a successful sale, so you’ll need an agent with a solid and reliable strategy. Some agents will offer up an unrealistic figure to get you on board, which often results in the home languishing on the market or failing to secure a buyer at all. A good agent will thoroughly assess your home, considering a multitude of factors such as recent sales data, the condition and appearance, and current market demand.
They can use this information to paint a full and accurate picture, ensuring that your property is competitively priced.

A solid marketing strategy

While the market remains competitive, a robust marketing strategy is what will set your sale in motion. It’s important to inquire about your potential agent’s approach to marketing, including both online and offline channels, professional photography, and any special strategies they might use to showcase your home in its best light.

First impressions

Your agent’s style of communication should be apparent from the first meeting. It’s important to set clear expectations on how you hope to be contacted if you work together. Whether it’s emails, phone calls or face-to-face meetings, the right agent will maintain an effective and consistent line of communication from the offset.

Glowing reviews

Reputable businesses are proud of their client testimonials, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find glowing reviews on the website. Customer feedback is the valuable insight you’ll need to get a gauge of the agent’s reputation, so don’t hesitate to do your research first.

How do they handle negotiations?

Having a strong negotiator on your side is crucial when it comes to selling a home. You should ask any potential agents about their approach to negotiations as well as their strategy for securing the best possible deal for you while also maintaining a positive relationship with potential buyers.

It should not be the case but sadly for many tenants, winter will be a bigger ordeal than it should be thanks to unscrupulous landlords. Feeling cosy in a nice home for winter is simply magical and very important. 

A good EPC rating

EPC certificates show how energy efficient a property is and are graded from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient and G the least. So, it’s in your interests to choose a property with a higher rating. It’s been a legal requirement since 2018 for rented properties in the UK to have a minimum energy rating of E. EPC recommendations can include improving floor insulation, replacing boilers, and fitting LED light bulbs. So, picking a property with a good EPC rating will insulate you from the winter months.

Inspect the property thoroughly 

Don’t underestimate yourself when it comes to carrying out a visual inspection of the property when you are viewing it. The property description will specify its features and EPC rating. But it’s comforting to check for yourself. So, take a look at the windows, the location of the boiler, and the condition of the appliances to get a feel for how well-insulated the property is. If the property appears and feels fresh and well-maintained, then chances are it is.

Ask the right questions

Good agents are a fountain of knowledge, so use it. The more information you can find out about your potential new home, the better. You want to feel as settled and as happy as possible with your new home. This comes with the peace of mind a property expert can bring to the table. From understanding your lease to protecting your deposit, and all the other details of your tenancy that matter to you. Then you will feel more relaxed in your home when it’s time to snuggle up for the winter.

Rent with support

Property maintenance should never be overlooked. Sometimes renting can lead to tenants finding themselves in a property with a myriad of maintenance issues. Renting through an agent could provide you with the opportunity to choose a fully managed property. This will offer 24/7 maintenance support, meaning issues get addressed quickly. But there is more to a home than maintaining it. Finding a home in the right location so that you are close to the people or the things you love all makes for a happier life.

Enlist the help of a good agent 

It’s certainly not impossible to find a good property independently but using an agent will make it easier. Having a third party that ensures your home is compliant and is just a phone call away has a lot of benefits. A good letting agent will be there to represent you throughout your tenancy. Yes, agents also represent the interests of landlords but because of this, tenants benefit from living in properties of a higher standard, which is ideal for keeping the winter at bay.

As the winter months approach, damp and mould can present serious issues for both landlords and tenants, so it’s important to take preventative action and maintain good habits. Whether you’re a landlord trying to keep your property up and running or a tenant aiming to keep your living space comfortable, preventing winter damp is essential.
Here’s how to stay ahead of this seasonal issue.

Understand the causes of damp

Damp can occur for several reasons, but the most common in winter are:

• Condensation: This happens when warm, moist air meets cold surfaces, like windows or walls, causing water droplets to form.
• Rising damp: Ground moisture rises through the walls due to a lack of a damp-proof course (DPC) or a damaged one.
• Penetrating damp: Water enters the property through external defects, such as a leaky roof, blocked gutters, or poor-quality brickwork.

Preventing damp

Damp and mould are much easier to prevent than to cure, so sticking to healthy practices is the easiest way to make sure your home is properly ventilated and free from moisture.

Keep windows open

Open windows allow moisture to escape rather than settle onto walls or furniture. Make sure to crack open a window if you’re cooking, washing clothes, showering, or using a tumble dryer.

Use extractor fans

Ensure that kitchen and bathroom extractor fans are functioning well to expel moisture-laden air. For landlords, consider installing or upgrading ventilation systems in areas prone to moisture.

Cover up pans when cooking

When cooking, cover pans to reduce the amount of steam released into the air.

Use a dehumidifier

These devices are great for reducing moisture in the air, especially in rooms that are prone to damp. Landlords could also consider providing tenants with dehumidifiers and ensuring that properties have good ventilation to handle excess moisture.

Heat efficiently

Keep your household heating at a low level for longer periods, rather than cranking it high in short bursts. This will heat the home more evenly and effectively, lowering the risk of condensation.

Dry clothes outside

If possible, avoid drying clothes indoors, as this significantly increases indoor moisture. If you must dry indoors, do so in a well-ventilated room with a dehumidifier.

Spotting damp early

Both landlords and tenants should stay vigilant for the early signs of damp:

• Musty smells: A persistent musty smell can indicate hidden damp.
• Mould growth: Black mould spots, especially around windows, in bathrooms, or on walls, are clear signs of damp.
• Peeling paint or wallpaper: If paint or wallpaper starts to peel or bubble, damp might be the cause. If tenants notice these signs, they should inform the landlord or letting agent immediately so that remedial action can be taken.