Whether you’re selling your home or just want to make some positive life changes, improving the eco-friendliness is a great way to increase your property value, reduce your costs and reduce your impact on the environment.

Insulation
By insulating your loft with recyclable materials you can better heat your home and consume less energy. While insulating your property can seem like a lengthy and expensive job, it is one that will likely pay for itself in time. The left/roof is the most important part of your property that needs to be insulated, around 30% of your home’s heat escapes through the walls as well, so consider for yourself how much you would like to invest in insulating your property.

Plug holes
Beware when it comes to covering up drafts in your home. While plugging up holes and cracks in your property can improve your energy efficiency, houses without a good source of ventilation can quickly develop problems with damp, especially old houses that deal with moisture and heat differently. To ensure that you don’t put your property at risk of damp while also ensuring that it is being heated properly, you can enquire into damp proofing services and surveys before tackling your energy efficiency. A damp survey is usually free and you can talk to the expert about the best options available to you.

Energy saving
There are many energy saving alternatives to products found around the home, including energy saving lightbulbs, kettles, microwaves, shower heads etc. While switching to these products might be a bit more expensive than you expected, the cost is more than worth it. These products tend to last longer than the ones you originally purchase and they can save your money on your energy bills. LED lights, for example, convert more energy into like than they do to heat, meaning that the energy isn’t wasted. You can also install a programmable thermostat to have more power over what parts of your house are heated, reducing heating costs considerably.

Better windows
The right windows can have a huge impact your home’s energy consumption. To start, double glazing should be a priority. They keep the heat in and the cold out as well as reducing drafts, which makes your heating more efficient and requires less energy to properly heat your property. Thick curtains are also a great insulations tool if you want to go a step further. They can keep your property warm or cool when it needs to be by keeping out the outside weather conditions. Wooden window frames are also more insulating, easier to repair and less polluting to make and they tend to be more attractive than cheap plastic framing, adding value to your property.

If possible, keep your blinds or curtains out of the way during the day to make the most of natural light. Strong natural light can prevent the need to use lamps during the day. More natural light can also be useful if you decide to get a few houseplants, which can greatly improve the air quality in your home.