Eco-friendly home improvements

If you are thinking about making some home improvements and also want to save money and help the environment, here are the best ways to do it.

Insulate your home

Around 40% of a home’s heat is lost through the walls and loft, reports the National Insulation Association. Insulating your whole house, but particularly the loft and walls is important. If your loft isn’t insulated, installing 270mm of insulation can save you £150 and 800kg of CO2 a year, says the Energy Saving Trust (EST).

Replace your inefficient boiler

Replacing an inefficient boiler with a new A-rated model will save you money and energy. According to the EST, this can cut your fuel bills by on average £225 per year.

Draught proof your home

As well as conserving energy, you could save up to 10% on your fuel bills if you draught proof your home, says the DPAA. Plugging up gaps around doors, windows and letterboxes is a simple and cheap home improvement.

Use solar power

Solar panels are a popular eco-friendly home improvement. Choose from either solar PV panels which produce electricity or solar thermal ones which provide heating and hot water. You can even make money by installing solar panels under the government Feed-in Tariff scheme and the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

Fit new windows

Double glazing could save you around £135 on bills and 720kg of CO2 a year, reports the EST. In addition to this, new windows look great and provide added security and sound proofing.

Use biomass heating

When burning plant and wood waste, the amount of CO2 emitted is offset by the amount of CO2 absorbed by the plant during its lifetime. This makes biomass heaters completely carbon neutral as long as you replant the material you burn or source wood locally. Take advantage of the forthcoming RHI to make money from and receive a grant to install a biomass boiler.

Install a heat pump

Extract free, natural heat from the ground, water or air by installing a heat pump. Not only are heat pumps eco-friendly, they can also save you money on your fuel bills. Once again, take up the opportunity to earn money and receive a grant for installing a ground or air source heat pump with the RHI.

Get a grass roof

Grass is a great option for flat roofs as they absorb water and protect the waterproof membrane below. Grass roofs provide excellent insulation, attract wildlife and look great too.