How to make your home more energy-efficient

Keeping cosy and warm indoors while reducing our carbon footprint is a key priority for everyone including Taylor Wimpey. Good news then that all of our new homes are packed with energy efficient features to help save the planet and go easy on your bank balance. Don’t just take our word for it though, as according to a recent report from the HBF (Home Builders Federation)* you could save hundreds on annual heating, hot water and lighting bills with a new new build. Sustainable features are a huge part of the Taylor Wimpey new home, from good quality insulation to energy efficient appliances, water saving taps and zoned heating systems.

DID YOU KNOW: Most Taylor Wimpey homes come with an A or B energy efficiency – that’s compared with less than 4% of existing homes reaching the same standard*. You’ll also get complete peace of mind with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) that lets you know the property’s typical energy costs.  

Our day to day lives have been revolutionised by washing machines, fridge-freezers and dishwashers. But are your appliances energy efficient or energy guzzlers? We fit all of our new homes with eco appliances for a smaller carbon footprint – great for the planet and your bank balance. Replace any old models with energy-saving upgrades to help cut utility bills. Look for appliances rated with A+, A++ or A+++ energy labels, the darkest green colour category. And remember to recycle or donate your old appliances.  

DID YOU KNOW: New homes use significantly less energy (105KWh per m2 per year) compared with older properties which need around 248kWh per m2*. 

DIY ECO HACK: Run washing machines and dishwashers on full loads and switch from 40°C to 30°C. Unplug all appliances (including TVs, games consoles and computers) at the socket and save up to £50 a year.  

Photo credit: Turn off your tech to save energy and money. Woood Basu Pine TV Stand from www.cuckooland.com 

Don’t forget good water-saving habits. We depend on water for drinking, washing and cleaning but we need to do our bit at home to help conserve this depleting natural resource. Our new build homes include sustainable zoned heating systems and water saving taps to help reduce carbon footprint. Switch to an eco-efficient, low flow shower head – and take shorter showers. Get a low-flush toilet and don’t fill your kettle up to the top – just boil the water you need. Catch rainwater in a water butt and save up to a whopping 5,000 litres of water a year. And cut water use by 33% by watering plants manually instead of using automatic sprinklers. 

DID YOU KNOW: Taylor Wimpey new build homes come with a smaller carbon footprint than an equivalent second-hand property. Great news for the planet and lower energy bills.

DIY ECO HACK: Turn off your tap while you brush your teeth and save six litres of water a minute. Fix any leaky taps around the home to stop water literally running away.  

Photo credit: The slick DuElec shower features digital touch controls and an A energy rating. From www.tritonshowers.co.uk