Making your home eco-friendlier will save you money on energy bills and cut your carbon footprint. Soaring energy costs and concerns about climate change mean that most people want to find easy and cost-effective ways to live more sustainably.
How can you make your home more eco-friendly without going ‘off-grid’ or investing in costly renovations? Please read on to find our top tips for a greener lifestyle.
Install a smart meter
A smart meter can drastically reduce your heating bills. Smart meters will turn your heating on at certain times of the day. For example, shutting the heating off an hour before leaving home or heating the home before you return.
Reduce water usage
Reducing the amount of water we use puts less strain on natural resources. Easy ways to cut water usage are buying a low-flow shower head, fixing plumbing leaks, and being more conscious about running taps when not using them. This way, you can save gallons of water a year.
Invest in renewable energy
If you want to slash energy usage in the long run, renewable energy is the way to go. Although there is an initial investment in installing solar panels or air source heat pumps, the long-term energy savings can be tremendous. Not only will you pay less for energy, but you’ll reduce your environmental impact.
Upgrade your insulation
Conserving heat in your home means you spend less on heating bills in the winter. It may be worthwhile getting a surveyor to check the insulation’s current condition and where you could reduce heat loss even more.
Wash your clothes in cold water
Did you know that you can wash most clothes in cold water? According to some sources, 90 per cent of a washing machine’s energy goes into heating water. So if cold water doesn’t do the trick, try a warm wash at 30°C.
Use eco-cleaning products
Switching to greener cleaning products is an excellent way to avoid using harmful chemicals. Although eco-friendly cleaning items may be a bit costlier, they are better for the environment. However, baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice are cheaper alternatives. In addition, they can do a fantastic job keeping surfaces clean and free from bacteria.
Keep house repairs local
There are several reasons to look for local contractors for house repairs. First, they spend less fuel travelling to your home. Second, you support the local economy. And lastly, if something doesn’t go to plan, it’s easier and faster to deal with a trusted local contractor than with a large multinational.
Compost your food waste
You can cut down on expenses by turning any food waste into compost. Compost bins are incredibly cheap, and some councils offer them free. Then, all you must do is scrape leftover food into the bin and use the compost in your garden to grow beautiful ornamental plants. You could even start growing vegetables and save on your shopping bill.
Buy used furniture
Buying second-hand furniture is a great way to reduce landfills and save money at the same time. You’ll be surprised to learn how many little-used, good-quality tables, wardrobes, and couches are for sale online.
But suppose you don’t want to go down the ‘used furniture’ route. In that case, look for furniture made from recycled wood or other materials. It may be costlier than flat-pack items, but they tend to last longer and be better for the environment.
Service your boiler
Getting your boiler serviced annually ensures optimal energy efficiency, saving you money on energy bills. And as a rule, it’s best to replace your boiler every ten years, meaning you can buy a more energy efficient one. However, if it’s time to think about a new boiler, why not consider an eco-friendlier option like installing a heat pump.