How to Make Your Home Eco-Friendly

Using energy efficiently at home not only reduces your carbon footprint but also helps cut down on your utility bills. It's easy to overlook areas where you can make savings, especially in older properties like Victorian homes in London that may need a few upgrades. Here are five simple and effective ways to make your home more eco-friendly—for the sake of both the planet and your pocket.

Monitor Your Energy Use

Start by investing in a power meter plug. Simply plug it into a wall socket and then plug your appliance into the meter. It will show you how much electricity the device uses.

A study by MoneySuperMarket found that leaving just eight common household items plugged in or on standby—including phone chargers, digital TV boxes, coffee machines, and internet modems—could cost you up to £60 per year. Identifying the biggest energy users in your home can help you make smarter choices.

Switch to LED Lighting

LED bulbs are far more energy-efficient than traditional halogen or fluorescent lights. They last significantly longer, consume less electricity, and will ultimately save you money on your energy bills. Replacing all your bulbs with LEDs is a quick win for energy efficiency.

Save Water in the Bathroom

If you're planning to renovate your bathroom, opt for water-saving fixtures. Consider installing:

• Low-flow showerheads and taps

• Dual-flush toilets

• Water-efficient bathtubs and mixers

These upgrades can significantly reduce your water usage without compromising performance or comfort.

Insulate Your Loft

Proper insulation is crucial for keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer. Poor insulation forces you to rely more heavily on heating, leading to higher energy bills. Make sure your loft has adequate insulation to prevent heat from escaping through the roof.

Upgrade Windows and Doors

Check that your windows and doors are properly sealed. If you're replacing old ones, invest in energy-efficient options with good thermal properties.

Here’s what to look for:

• U-value: Measures how well the glass retains heat. Lower U-values indicate better insulation.

• G-value: Indicates how much solar heat the glass lets in. A G-value of 1 is ideal if you want to maximize heat from sunlight.

• L-value: Reflects how airtight your windows are. An L-value of 0 means minimal air leakage and high efficiency.

Making your home eco-friendly doesn't require major renovations—just a few smart upgrades and mindful habits. These steps will reduce your environmental impact while helping you save money in the long run.