Most of us try our best to protect the environment and those of us who don’t try to save money as much as possible. There are many changes you can carry out in your home which will kill both of these birds with one stone. Here’s a list of some of the best ways to make your home both cheaper to run, and softer on the environment.
Upgrade the Boiler
Inefficient boilers have the potential to cost you hundreds of pounds every year in extra heating bills, so this is a great place to start. Yes, new boilers aren’t the cheapest thing in the world. However, making this investment can save you a massive amount of money in the long run. A new boiler will also go a long way in reducing your home’s carbon emissions.
In an average gas-heated home, boilers account for around 60% of the building’s total carbon dioxide emissions. All UK boilers are rated on a scale of A to G, with A being the most energy-efficient. If yours is at the lower end of the scale, splashing out for a more efficient one can save you a small fortune.
Fit New Windows
Glass may seem like a simple material, but for years now, industry leaders have been taking steps to make domestic glazing more energy-efficient. These days, modern double glazing is more energy-efficient than ever before.
If your windows are draughty and do a poor job of keeping moisture out, getting new ones from a firm like Poplar Home Improvements can make a huge difference to your recurring heating bills.
Like a boiler, the initial investment is going to be pretty high. However, high-quality modern windows will do a better job of trapping heat in your home. This will save you a lot in the long run, and help to minimize the impact your heating has on the earth.
Get a Water-Saving Showerhead
We all know that showers are greener and more efficient than baths, but just how green are you being by hopping in the shower each morning? A lot of popular power shower models will use more water in just five minutes than taking a bath! If you’re spending 15 minutes under a stream of hot water on a daily basis, try out a water-saving showerhead. This will help massively to cut down the amount of water and energy your home is using up.
Get a Smart Thermostat
You may have heard the term “smart home technology” pop up here and there, but be a little unsure of what it means. One of the most popular products in this tech niche is smart thermostats, which can be programmed to raise or lower the heating in a home at different times.
This means you can have the heating turn on around bedtime, turn it off when you leave for work, and then come on again to welcome you home. Buy one of these great little products from a company like Tado, and you’ll knock a huge amount off your typical heating bill.