Sustainability
In recognition of Earth Day, we're taking a look at ways your home can be more environmentally friendly.
There has never been a stronger interest in looking for ways to create more efficiency within the four walls in which we live. Currently, everywhere you look, there seem to be various tips, but we wanted to offer you a fuss free space to gather the knowledge that will reduce your energy bills and make a huge difference not just to you, but to the wider world.
First of all, there are immediate and effective things you can do today to make your home more energy efficient. These are:
- Turning off standby appliances
- Turn down your thermostat
- Wash clothes at a lower temperature
- Be smarter about water and how you use it
- Seal your windows
- Unplug unused chargers (yes, even this makes a difference!)
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs
- Turn off unnecessary water (such as when you are brushing your teeth)
- Start a compost pile (your food waste will shrink immediately)
Changes today can effect your bills today – and go some way to improving your carbon footprint as well as creating a greener home. What if you wanted to go that step further? You wouldn't be alone, as home owners in their masses are doing research into greener ways to live and protect their property. We guarantee you won't be left in the cold!
Insulation – Yes or No?
With the average home losing up to 31% of its energy from floors, walls and ceilings, and 15% from ducts, insulation is becoming a popular choice that simply makes sense. Of course, insulating your home is a great big yes for many reasons, including:
- Reducing heating bills by up to 50%
- Eliminating draughts
- Removing mould issues
- Creating an excellent sound barrier
- Adds value to your home
With home insulation projects beginning to take over as one of the most popular things to do to improve its warmth, you may be wondering where you start in making it an efficient addition to your home. Well, it is actually easier than you think.
You can check the eligibility of your home here at the Eco Home Insulation Scheme website. They clarify which offers your home may qualify for and give you an in depth insight into the process.
Heating Systems
As an incentive to use energy more efficiently, the government are providing grants to encourage property owners to install low carbon heating systems such as heat pumps, through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). These grants have been designed to help property owners overcome the upfront cost of low carbon heating technologies.
What you’ll get*
You can get:
- £5,000 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump
- £5,000 off the cost and installation of a biomass boiler
- £6,000 off the cost and installation of a ground source heat pump
The grant will only cover biomass boilers in rural locations and in properties that are not connected to the gas grid.
* Information correct as of April 20th 2022
The scheme runs from 2022-2025 and will be open to domestic and small non-domestic properties in England and Wales. It is well worth looking into if you want to make these changes, and you can find the link here.
It is worth everybody checking to see if they are eligible for grants. Big savings can be made by cuttings costs and changing the way your home is run, so why not take a look today, or take our advice to cut your bills and create a more efficient home. You'll be glad you did.
