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Energy Saving Tips
Spring has almost officially sprung, and we can all look forward to cheaper fuel bills over the coming months as well as a much needed injection of colour and sunshine. It’s easy to get caught up in the fun of it all, but instead of burying your head in the sand and pretending it’s going to be warm and sunny forever, let’s not forget that winter will also rear its ugly, frost heady again before we know it. It makes good sense to start planning ahead if you want to save yourself some time and money later in the year.
“If you do everything you can to make your home energy efficient now, you’ll be able to enjoy what will hopefully be a long, hot summer and get prepared for when the colder months come back” says Newington Green estate agent M&M Property.
One of the first things to take care of is insulation. You’re probably not going to want to have to do a lot of work on the roof or in the loft when it’s freezing cold outside, so now’s the ideal time to ensure your home will be well insulated when the frost does come back. If you can afford it, invest in some good cavity wall insulation, double glazing and under floor heating. If money is tighter, check for any holes or gaps and just seal them.
One of the nicest ways to reduce energy bills is to dry your washing on the line. It will smell fresher, feel crisper and doesn’t need you to waste money on tumble drying or turning up the radiators. “If you’re really lucky, a gentle breeze will do your ironing for you too!” they claim at Plaza Estates.
Solar panels are an increasingly popular choice with green homeowners, and they’re the perfect way to attract environmentally conscious buyers too. If you can’t quite stretch to full solar panels throughout your property, there are lots of other ways to take advantage of the sun’s power during the brighter months.
Solar garden lights and lanterns are available in stores up and down the country, and you can pick up some good ones for just a few pounds. You’ll be surprised by the difference that just a few little lights can make to the look of your garden and your electricity bills. Just place them in an area that gets full light, and let the sun do its work during the day. As soon as dusk falls, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful sparkling lights in your garden.
“Now is the perfect time to take advantage of the lighter evenings and warmer temperatures and make some positive changes towards the energy efficiency of your home. Taking the time to make some upgrades and improvements now has the potential to save you a lot of time and money in a few months,” they summarise at LDG.
Further information about how to make your home more energy efficient can be found on the Energy Savings Trust website: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/
