As we all become more environmentally aware, making lifestyle changes which are more eco-friendly has become more commonplace. Many people also actively try to be more eco-friendly at home, as there are several benefits for doing so.
Reasons to consider improving your property’s green credentials
One of the main reasons to aim for a greener home environment is because it’s more ecologically friendly, and you are helping to do your bit for the environment.
Aside from this, improving your property’s green credentials can also be beneficial financially. Some improvements you can make will save you money in the long run, as well as benefiting you ecologically. Green homes are also a more attractive proposition for buyers, so if you are looking to sell a property, making green improvements can help add to its appeal.
Ways to achieve it
There are several different ways you can work towards improving your property’s green credentials. For this blog, we’ve picked out a few of the most beneficial and some that are simple tasks you’ll be able to do without external assistance.
Improved insulation
Insulation is vital to keeping the heat inside your house and good insulation will ensure your property isn’t leaking energy. Many older properties may have poor insulation, and if it hasn’t been updated for a while, it could be well worth the cost of installing new insulation.
Installing double glazed windows is one way of improving the insulation in your home, but uninsulated walls are one of the most common fixtures which need improved insulation in houses. Roofs can also be sources of energy leakage and may benefit from improved insulation. A well-insulated roof can be the trick to keeping the heat in your home, especially if you are in an attic room.
Seal up cracks, gaps and draughty doors
Cracks, gaps, and draughty doors are all common occurrences in homes, but they can be notorious making your property less environmentally ideal. Most of these issues can be solved relatively easily with some filler, but any cracked fixtures which are broken beyond repair may require replacing. Although this may seem financially challenging, you’ll likely save money in the long term on energy bills.
Programmable thermostats
Installing a programmable thermostat can be a quick-fire way to start saving on your energy consumption. Programmable thermostats can automatically adjust the temperature in your home depending on the time of day so that you aren’t wasting energy.
Dual-flush toilets
One key way of improving your home’s green credentials is to save water wherever possible. Toilets, specifically older models, are notoriously bad at wasting water. Dual-flush toilets are a more common modern option which help to save on water significantly. Of course, the amount of usage will depend on the amount of people using the facilities in the property, however, the short flush option helps to prevent wasting excess water.
Fix any leaky taps
Dripping taps and leaks can also be a nightmare for water wastage. Whilst leaky taps may not seem like much water is being wasted, every drop adds up if the issue is not dealt with! Astonishingly, a slow leak of 3 drips per minute will waste 360 litres of water over the course of a year. This is why fixing even the smallest of leaks is important, and can save you both water and money in the long run.
Energy efficient lightbulbs
This is a simple task that can end up saving you both in terms of money and energy. Switching from old fashioned bulbs to energy efficient alternatives is something more and more homeowners have been doing over the past couple of decades, and it can have a big impact on the green credentials of your property.
Installing CFLs or LEDs can save you from 80%-90% when compared to the older style of incandescent lightbulbs. It’s also an easy DIY job that you can get done quickly, so there’s not really any excuse for putting it off!
Install a water butt
If you are a keen gardener, investing in a water butt can be an eco-friendly solution to water wastage. Installing a water butt is a task you can do yourself, so you won’t need to hire anyone to get it up and running.
Water butts collect rainwater which you can use to replenish any plants, shrubbery or vegetables you have growing in the garden. Not only is this ecologically friendly, but you’ll also save water by not using garden sprinklers or constantly filling up a watering can.
These home improvements are just an example of some of the more eco-friendly changes you can make around the house, but there is plenty more you can do to save energy and live a more green life.
