Ways to nurture a greener home

Now more than ever, we’re looking for ways to save money as well as reduce the impact we have on our planet. As a homeowner, there’s lots of little ways you can make a difference and hopefully save some pennies while you do so!

 

Lighting up your home

Switching out your light bulbs for energy efficient alternatives is a great way to reduce your energy usage. 80% of the energy used to power traditional bulbs is lost in the heat they give off. LED bulbs last up to 12 times longer and provide the same amount of light for a lot less energy.

 

Keeping your home warm

Did you know 40% of the heating energy produced in your home is lost through gaps in windows, doors and floors? Adding draught excluders around windows and door frames can be a cheap way to save on energy bills.

Pair these with a smart thermostat to help have more control over when your heating is on and you’re well on the way to reducing your heating costs.

 

Rethink your cleaning routine

Another easy switch to make is moving to cleaning products which contain sustainably sourced ingredients. Many mainstream cleaning products contain various toxic chemicals. You could even look to make your own natural cleaners which is also a cheaper alternative to shop-bought products.

 

Reduce food waste

Before you head to the shops, check what's in your cupboards and fridge freezer to see what you've already got that you can turn into a meal. This can also help with your meal planning for the week, only buying what you need helps to save money and reduce waste. If there are any leftovers pop them in the freezer for another day. If you have any food waste such as teabags, vegetables and fruit peelings or egg shells then pop them in your green or brown bin for collection. If your local authority doesn't collect your food waste bin, then why not start your own home composting?

 

Don’t sweat it – keep your boiler running smoothly

Having your boiler checked annually is important to not only check it’s running safely, but also efficiently. Your boiler might use more fuel to heat your home if it’s a bit older, meaning your bills and energy consumption will be higher.

Regular services should also help prolong the life of your boiler, saving you money in the long run.

These are just a handful of the ways you can create a greener home. Find out more about creating a more energy efficient home and increasing your EPC rating here.

All content sourced from greenmatch.co.uk ,energysavingtrust.org.uk and recyclenow.com