Research shows that over 86% of UK adults have made changes to their lifestyles to embrace greener living. There are several steps you can take to create a more eco-friendly and efficient home. In this guide, we’ll outline some simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint and design a green living space.
Explore solar power
The UK may not seem like the most obvious choice for solar power given the unpredictable weather conditions, but you don’t need wall-to-wall sunshine to benefit from solar energy. If you’re designing a new home or revamping your existing property to adopt greener ways of living, it’s beneficial to explore solar power. Research different systems and installations, weigh up the pros and cons and get some quotes. It’s important to consider the short and long-term costs involved. The initial outlay may be significant, but you’ll start to reduce spending on energy immediately, meaning that solar power may be a lucrative long-term investment. If you’re thinking about selling in the next 5-10 years, it’s also worth noting that installing solar panels could boost the value and saleability of your home.
Consider heating options
We’re hurtling towards winter and temperatures are dropping daily. Many of us are reliant on boilers and radiators to keep us warm at home during the colder months. Traditional heating systems serve a purpose, but if you have an old boiler or you’re kitting out a new property, it’s worth considering all your options. As technology has advanced, new systems have become available, which are more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. Heat pumps are increasingly popular. In 2023, there was a 20% increase in the number of heat pumps and solar panels installed in the UK. The main advantages for homeowners are increased energy efficiency and a lower carbon footprint. If you’re interested in installing a new system, it’s beneficial to get an idea of the average heat pump price, compare quotes from companies that specialise in installation and explore potential cost savings. Heat pumps have a longer lifespan than conventional boilers, which means they may represent a better long-term investment.
Insulate your home
Insulating your home is one of the simplest and most effective ways to lower your energy consumption and utility bills. Insulation improves heat retention and reduces heat loss to keep living areas warmer for longer. There are various options, from budget-friendly DIY hacks to professional insulation services. Assess and evaluate your home’s weak points and set a budget. If your house loses heat through the windows and doors, for example, you could get quotes for double glazing or replacement doors and windows or use DIY methods, such as disposable sheet glazing, draft excluders or sealant to plug gaps in door and window frames. When you compare options and prices, think about potential savings in the short and long term. Improving home insulation can help you lower bills dramatically.
Maximise natural light
A UK survey by 100Green revealed that the average household wastes 21 hours lighting their homes unnecessarily every week. Maximising natural light is an effective way to reduce reliance on lamps and lights and create a sense of openness and space in your home. Adding extra windows, doors, skylights and lanterns may be an option if you’re renovating your home or you want to create more light in dark rooms, but there are more affordable solutions. Opening the curtains wide, choosing light colours for your walls and floors and using mirrors to bounce sunlight around the room can help. It’s also beneficial to make the most of the natural light available by positioning your furniture to face windows and doors.
Reduce energy usage
Over 20% of people may have to turn off their heating this winter due to concerns about the cost of energy. Energy bills have risen significantly along with other living costs. Reducing energy usage is more important than ever to lower household expenses and reduce our collective carbon footprint. Reducing consumption will not only help you save money but it will also contribute to protecting the planet. There are many ways to decrease energy usage, from swapping to energy-efficient lighting and heating systems to turning lights and appliances off when you’re not using them and only doing your washing when you have a full load. Small changes can make a big difference. Using a smart meter can help you track energy usage. Aim to lower daily consumption every day for a month. This will help you adopt greener habits in the future.
Studies show that the vast majority of people want to do more to protect the environment. If you’re looking for ways to go green, it’s a great idea to start at home. There are several simple ways you can embrace more eco-friendly ways of living. Key areas to concentrate on include exploring renewable energy and heating options, reducing energy consumption, insulating your home and maximising natural light.
