How to live in an energy efficient home

Loft insulation helps keep heat inside your home for longer, reducing heat loss and helping maintain a comfortable temperature.

To make the most of your insulation:

• Keep loft hatches closed when not in use.
• Avoid compressing loft insulation with heavy storage boxes — insulation works best when it remains light and fluffy.
• Good ventilation will be installed as part of the upgrade to manage moisture and reduce condensation.

Around a third of all heat loss in a home happens through the walls. Wall insulation helps keep warmth inside and can reduce heating costs.

For best results:

• Keep internal doors closed to help retain heat.
• Ventilation will be improved to maintain airflow and help prevent damp without increasing draughts.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels generate free, renewable electricity from daylight — even on cloudy days.

Tips for making the most of your solar power:

• Run energy-heavy appliances (e.g. washing machine, dishwasher) during daylight hours, ideally between 10am–4pm when solar generation is highest.
• Avoid using multiple large appliances at the same time to better match solar generation with energy use.
• If Waverley has installed solar panels on your home, you may be able to request the necessary documents to set up a Smart Export Guarantee tariff with your energy provider.
• Waverley Borough Council arranges annual maintenance for council-owned solar systems.

Air source heat pumps efficiently heat your home by maintaining a steady temperature over time. They work best in well-insulated homes and may feel different to traditional gas boilers.

To use your heat pump effectively:

• Set the heat pump to one consistent, comfortable temperature instead of switching it on and off.

• Turn the temperature down rather than turning the system off completely — it takes more energy to heat back up from cold.

• Keep radiators and indoor units clear of furniture to allow warm air to circulate.

• Waverley arranges routine maintenance for council-owned heat pumps every year.

Small daily changes can make a big difference to energy use and comfort:

• Choose A-rated or A+-rated appliances when replacing old models.

• Use energy-efficient lighting such as LEDs.

• Switch off standby appliances (TVs, computers, chargers) when not in use.

• Wash clothes at 30°C instead of higher temperatures.