Eco-friendly upgrades that could be perfect for your home
If you’re looking for greener ways to enhance your home, you’re certainly not alone. Many homeowners are choosing eco-friendly upgrades not just for comfort and convenience, but also for long-term savings.
Sustainable improvements – from smart home technologies to renewable heating systems – are guaranteed to futureproof any property. But finding the best ones for your home will depend on so many factors, including your budget.
Here’s how to choose between some of the best upgrades available.
- Insulation
Keeping warm air inside is an imperative part of having an efficient home. According to the Energy Saving Trust, an uninsulated home could lose up to a third of its heat through the walls and a quarter through the roof.
Improving your home’s insulation doesn’t need to mean an expensive renovation project. You can start with simple, cost-effective changes like adding soft furnishings and draught excluders.
Additions like rugs and curtains help to absorb colder air, while blocking the draught at the source – under the front door, for example – keeps things cosy inside.
- Upgraded entryways
When it comes to house viewings, first impressions count more than you might expect. Painting the front door, for example, can instantly boost your property’s aesthetic value and make it more appealing from a distance.
Likewise, tidying up your garden and driveway could certainly be worth your time. Try to cut back weeds, keep the grass mowed, and remove any debris.
If you’ve got an older garage door that’s looking chipped, rusty or simply tired, upgrading could be a smart investment. There are plenty of types to choose from, but roller garage doors offer great security, convenient access, and a stylish painted finish too.
- Energy-efficient appliances
There are plenty of small, practical swaps you can make inside the house to upgrade things immensely.
The kitchen makes a great place to start. Under-counter LED lighting, for example, can create an impressive feature and instantly boost the atmosphere. And if you have an inefficient gas or halogen stove, upgrading to an induction hob could be a stylish and eco-friendly update.
Plus, using A-rated washing machines and dishwashers will lower your property’s overall energy consumption.
- Consider renewable energy options
Renewables are the future of home heating. It’s worth taking some time to explore options like solar panels, heat pumps, or smart heating controls to upgrade your property in line with recent guidelines.
This sort of investment is particularly worthwhile if you’re considering selling to a buy-to-let investor. Homes with renewable heating systems are typically awarded higher Energy Performance Certificate ratings, which determine a property’s suitability for the rental market.
Efficient properties are more attractive to homeowners and tenants alike. They keep energy bills low and maintain modern attributes too.
Ready to upgrade your home? Whether you’re starting with the exterior or working inside out, these upgrades could be some of the best to start with.