With energy prices at an all-time high, more and more people are seeking to make their homes as green as possible to cut costs and reduce their emissions.
In this article, we walk through some of the best new green features for your home going into the new year.
Smart meters and thermostats
A smart thermostat will help you control the temperature throughout your home and when the heating comes on and off.
A smart meter will monitor how much energy you are using and when more energy is being consumed. This helps you to see what devices use more power so you can turn things off accordingly when not in use.
On average these devices together can save you between 10-12% on your energy bills according to popular smart system Nest.
Tankless water heaters
Also known as ‘demand’ or ‘instantaneous’ water heaters, tankless water heaters are much more environmentally friendly as they only heat water when it is needed, for example when a hot water tap is turned on. There is no energy lost when the tank is on standby, which can translate into significant savings.
The only downside is that they are much more expensive than traditional water heaters and you will have to pay for the professional installation too.
Solar panels
A tried and tested feature that will save you money and reduce your carbon footprint are solar panels. Often placed on roofs, these panels absorb sunlight and use the harnessed energy to heat water in your home. Solar panels have been around for a while, but they are only getting more advanced and efficient as time goes by.
As with tankless water heaters, the main downside is the hefty upfront cost and the price you’ll pay for installation. However, as a long-term investment, solar panels are a great option and will add value to your home.
Skylights
Having skylights installed can reduce the need to use electrical lighting during the day while still not compromising on heating costs. Positioned correctly, these windows will allow more natural light into your home and can improve ventilation.
You will have to pay the upfront cost and they will require professional building work to be installed.
Dual-flush toilets
Flushing the toilet accounts for 30% of water used in the home. A dual-flush toilet allows you to better control how much water is used for each flush, with a smaller and bigger flush option.
They are already common in many homes and a certainly worth it if you’re looking to reduce your water consumption.
Eco-friendly paint
Sustainable paint made from natural ingredients is rapidly growing in popularity. Traditional paint usually comprises harmful chemicals and greenhouse gases which can be emitted when applied to a surface and is the reason why paint has that powerful smell.
Eco-friendly paints on the other hand will have little to no smell as a result of the lack of chemicals.
This article was written by an online estate agent House Sales Direct. If you wish to sell your house fast and for free, then head over to the House Sales Direct website for more property related information and enquiries.
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