When it comes to extending your home, you will be looking at all the additional benefits such as extra living space and increasing your home’s value in the longer term. An often-underrated factor is of course how to make your new extension super energy efficient, which can help to reduce your monthly expenses in the shorter term too. Whilst modern building regulations will ensure that your home is energy efficient, at least to government standards, there are a lot of ways you can go above and beyond with your extension plans to maximise your energy efficiency. Here’s how you can do it.
High quality insulation
One of the key elements in creating an energy-efficient home is high-quality insulation. We use advanced insulation materials and techniques to minimise heat transfer through walls, roofs, and floors. Properly insulated homes keep the interior temperature stable, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. High density materials such as concentrate, bricks and stone are optimal for this in their ability to absorb and store heat which can stabilise your home’s temperature. This not only decreases energy consumption but also enhances indoor comfort and reduces utility bills.
Efficient windows and doors
We prioritise the selection and installation of energy-efficient windows and doors. These elements are designed to minimise heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, contributing to overall energy savings. Energy-efficient windows and doors often have insulating properties, such as double or triple glazed windows. Ensuring that your doors and windows are professionally installed will mean that they fit snugly into the frame of your home which removes the possibility of draughts. In summer, this allows a cool breeze to sweep out the hot air of the day too! Here at Cobbydale Construction, we work closely with our sister company, Bingley Windows & Glass to ensure we install only the best quality windows and doors in your home extension. We can also advise you on where windows and doors for your extension can be best situated to ensure maximum energy efficiency whilst simultaneously providing you with an idyllic view of your garden and the surrounding landscape.
Looking to the sky
Aside from the beautiful reflections and beams of light created by the shape of having a skylight, you can flood your home with light by considering installing a skylight in your home’s extension. This can reduce the need for artificial lighting, reducing your energy bills and improving your eyesight. Installing veranda’s and Pergolas can provide you with an extension upon an extension by creating a comfortable area for you to enjoy summertime, but also creating a shady effect which will reduce the temperature of your extension too. All three of these options are best placed with south facing windows, but we will be able to advise you if this is the case or if there are better alternatives such as window awnings.
Lighting upgrades
To further enhance energy efficiency, we often recommend and install energy-saving lighting fixtures and appliances. LED lighting, for instance, consumes significantly less energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs while providing the same level of illumination.
Upgrading home appliances
We will also be able to advise on the best energy efficient home appliances that are in line with the aesthetic of your home. Changes to how appliances are labelled in regards to energy efficiency are now decided between A-G. A being the most energy efficient, with G being the worst. There is nothing however preventing you from taking a trip to a home appliance store to begin planning the new aesthetic of your home, with perhaps improving the versatility of options your oven, fridge freezer or even washing or machine can provide.
Renewable energy integration
Here at Cobbydale, we’re increasingly incorporating renewable energy solutions into our home designs for clients. Solar panels are a popular choice for generating clean electricity on-site. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can reduce their reliance on the gas and electricity giants and lower your carbon footprint too! We work closely with homeowners to determine the feasibility and optimal placement of solar panels to maximise energy production. Whilst initially the cost of solar panel installation is quite high, it can reduce your monthly energy bills significantly in the short term and pay for itself in the longer term.
Contact Us Today
If you have any questions or are looking to extend your home in the areas of Bingley, Ilkley, Silsden, Skipton or Keighley we are here to help. Contact us today on 01535 653530 or use our contact form.