As homeowners become more eco-conscious, and energy costs increase, the eco home trend is on the rise.
Not only is this beneficial for the planet, eco-friendly homes can also command higher resale values.
But more often than not, many homes – especially period properties – lack sustainable features. This results in a bigger carbon footprint and more expensive utility bills.
If you’re in this boat, you might be wondering how you can make your home more sustainable.
So we’ve got 10 genius tips to get you started on your journey to a green home.
Invest in energy-efficient appliances
Investing in energy-efficient appliances is a smart choice for homeowners.
They offer numerous benefits, including reducing energy consumption, lowering utility bills and decreasing overall environmental impact.
You might opt for an energy-efficient refrigerator, which optimises the temperature to control energy consumption.
Or a high-efficiency washing machine that consumes less energy with advanced washing features.
You could also go for an eco-friendly dishwasher, which is designed to use less water.
While an energy-efficient boiler will reduce fuel consumption – allowing you to heat your home at a lower cost.
By upgrading to these appliances, you can increase the green credentials of your property – making it more attractive to eco-conscious buyers.
Install solar panels
Solar panels are a transformative step towards creating a more sustainable home.
They work by using the energy of the sun to generate clean electricity.
This means your home creates renewable energy on-site – reducing your reliance on fossil fuels.
As well as lowering electricity bills, solar panels decrease carbon emissions, making them a financially and environmentally-savvy investment.
However, it’s worth noting that there’s typically a higher upfront cost to do the work (usually upwards of £15,000).
But the actual cost could be lower after factoring in government or local incentives.
Moreover, the long-term savings from reduced bills can help to offset these costs. And homes equipped with solar panels often command higher prices and sell more quickly.
So, overall, if you have the budget, it’s well worth exploring if you want to create a more sustainable living space and lifestyle.
Improve insulation
Improving insulation is another great strategy to create your eco home.
Effective insulation helps regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption.
This works by minimising heat transfer through walls, floors, and roofs.
If you’ve got a particularly drafty home, consider upgrading your loft insulation to prevent heat loss in the Winter. This can also combat heat gain during the warmer months.
Alternatively, if you’ve got single glazing, you could double-glaze your windows to reduce condensation and heat transfer. This also has the benefit of improving sound insulation.
Finally, seal air leaks around doors and windows by caulking gaps and cracks, as well as weatherstripping and sealing ductwork.
Alongside keeping your home warm and reducing emissions, homes with high-quality insulation are often more desirable, so it’s a worthwhile investment.
Switch to LED lighting
Switching to LED lighting is a simple step towards creating a greener home.
LED bulbs allow lower energy consumption, longer lifespan, and superior durability vs. standard bulbs.
For instance, they use up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer.
Further to this, LED bulbs are also free of hazardous materials such as mercury, making them safer for both the environment and human health.
LED lighting can also enhance the look and feel of a room. You can easily play around with styles and sizes to create an inviting space, meaning there’s no compromise on ambience.
Overall, it’s a cost-friendly move that can also reduce electricity bills and contribute to environmental conservation.
Upgrade windows and doors
Upgrading your windows and doors is another way to balance energy-efficiency and aesthetics.
Modern windows and doors can provide better insulation and security, as well as refreshing the exterior of your property.
You might consider installing double or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity coatings.
Alternatively, you could upgrade to energy-efficient window frames, such as vinyl or fiberglass.
If you have an outdated entryway, consider an insulated door that features weatherstripping and multi-point locking.
Given curb appeal can enhance the value of your property, an upgraded entryway can also increase the visual appeal of your home.
Implement water-saving fixtures
If you’re looking to reduce water consumption, installing water-saving fixtures is a practical strategy.
These include low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads, as well as smart irrigation systems.
These fixtures are designed to use significantly less water compared to traditional models without compromising on quality.
For example, low-flow faucets and showerheads can reduce water usage by a whopping 50% or more, without sacrificing water pressure. This can lower your water bill as well as reduce environmental impact.
Additionally, water-saving fixtures add a touch of modernity to your home that buyers love. So as well as long-term savings, you’re also benefiting from added value.
Create a sustainable garden
Sustainable landscaping is all about designing and maintaining your garden a way that conserves energy and promotes biodiversity.
This might include planting native and drought-tolerant plants, like succulents and Mediterranean species that need less water.
As well as being low maintenance, this reduces your need for chemical inputs.
Alternatively, you could install rainwater harvesting systems. These collect and store rainwater, which can then be used for landscaping or irrigation.
You might also consider using organic mulch, like wood chips or compost, to suppress weeds and regulate soil temperatures.
This works well in flower beds and shrubs to promote healthy plant growth without the need for fertilisers and pesticides.
If you have a green thumb, consider getting out in the garden to create a more sustainable and appealing environment.
Implement smart tech
Smart tech can improve the functionality and energy-efficiency of your home. And there’s a wide range of devices on the market.
These include smart thermostats that automatically adjust the temperature based on your personal preferences, weather forecasts and energy-saving methods.
Another option is smart lighting that can be controlled remotely. This will allow you to switch off the lights when not in use from the comfort of your phone.
If you want to incorporate smart tech into your garden, an eco-friendly option is a smart irrigation controller.
This works by adjusting irrigation based on factors like rainfall, temperature and plant type – helping to reduce water consumption.
Smart tech is a great choice if you want to make your home feel modern and convenient, while improving its sustainability.
Use eco-friendly building materials
Choose eco-friendly building materials to create sustainable living spaces.
Consider materials like bamboo for stylish yet environmentally-friendly flooring.
Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource that grows quickly and requires minimal pesticides.
If you’re a fan of a rustic feel, you could use reclaimed wood salvaged from old barns or warehouses for your furniture.
As well as looking beautiful on shelving and desks, this is a great way to support sustainable practices.
If you need to do some painting, opt for low-VOC paints and finishes, which contain fewer harmful chemicals and promote better air quality.
It’s so easy to choose eco-friendly building materials and the benefits are vast.
From reducing your carbon footprint to minimising pollution, you can create an eco aesthetic that works for your space.
Certify your home
Consider certifying your home to validate its eco-friendliness. .
These certifications work by recognising homes that meet specific criteria.
Whether that’s for energy efficiency, sustainability, or overall environmental performance.
Green certified homes offer many benefits, including lower utility bills, improved indoor comfort, and reduced environmental impact.
They’re also great for giving future buyers assurances that your home has been designed to a high environmental standard.
It’s incredibly easy and rewarding to turn your property into an eco home..
Whether you choose to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, install smart tech or create a sustainable garden, you hold the power to make a positive impact.
By embracing eco-friendly practices, you’re not only investing in a more sustainable future for yourself, but also increasing the value and desirability of your home.
