How to become more Energy Efficient at Home

Updates from COP26 has filled our news feeds recently, highlighting the urgency and importance of tackling climate change. The world’s leaders are having their say but you can help fight climate change at home by making these simple yet effective changes.

Here are 5 actionable tips to help to reduce your carbon footprint at home

1. Grow your own

Whether you’ve got a garden or balcony you can grow your own fruit and vegetables which will cut down transportation energy costs, avoids pesticides and synthetic fertilizers as well as saving you money. If you’re a beginner start off with the easy ones such as peas, carrots, cucumbers and strawberries.

2. Work from home

We appreciate that not everyone can work from home however working as little as one to two days a week at home can reduce the number of cars on the road which leads to less traffic congestion and reduces the number of greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere. Whilst working from home try to take advantage of natural light where possible rather than turning on lights.

3. Unplug unused electronics

Have a little think, how many devices are currently plugged in at your home without being used? We’re all guilty of this and although it can feel pointless it actually can help save a significant amount of energy consumption and money. Go home and check your TV’s, computers and chargers.

4. Upcycle

Now we think of it, most of these tips don’t just help save the planet, they also help to save you money too! By upcycling old furniture to use yourself or sell prevents unnecessary items from being taken to a landfill. Read up on repainting or reupholstering old furniture to create something new.

5. Cut down on water

There are several ways in which you can cut down on your water use. By installing a water meter you will only pay for what you use which encourages you to use less. Take shorter showers, turn off the tap when brushing your teeth and wait until you have a full load before using the dishwasher or washing machine.

New energy efficiency rules are due to take effect from 2025 for Landlords, stating that they cannot rent out a property without an EPC rating of C or above. Research from Shawbrook Bank has shown that 17% of landlords and 22% of portfolio landlords have already made efforts to improve the energy efficiency of their property. 2025 isn’t as far away as you think so it’s a good idea to start planning which improvements will be required for you to obtain the new EPC rating.

There are a lot of rules and regulations that all landlords must adhere to, which is why so many request our Lettings team to manage their properties. If you feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of being a landlord we are here to help, simply contact our team on 01633 870777.

If you have a property to sell you can also contact our team to book in a free, market-led valuation.