With sustainable living and saving the planet being on the forefront of most people’s minds with the recent COP26, here are five energy-efficient improvements you can make to a property that are impactful and don’t require planning permission.

They will save money in the long run as well as avoid wastage!

Replace Your Window Seals

Make sure your window seals are intact in order to prevent draughts and maintain the energy-efficiency of your home.

Temperature changes cause window seals to expand and contract so it’s a good idea to inspect and even replace them every five to 10 years and they aren’t very expensive to change. Plus you will be glad you did during those harsh winter months!

The way to identify that they need changing are if you spot condensation on your windows, mould appearing on the seals and draughts coming from around your windows.

Install Smart thermostats

With the functionality to control your heating on the go much easier now, most commonly from your phone, smart thermostats will help you to save money on monthly energy bills.

If you tend to come home at different times, or you don’t have any controls at all, then it’s worth investing in a smart thermostat to avoid wasting heat or returning to a cold home.

Switch shower heads

Changing your shower head to a water-saving model can make a huge difference and reduce water wastage. Some may even have the added bonus of being more powerful!

These days there are some really cost effective models available and changing a shower head is super easy!

Choose your paint wisely

Avoid purchasing any paints for your home that contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as high levels of these can trigger asthma, nausea or other allergic reactions. They are also harmful to the environment.

Look for lime wash, clay, plant-based or mineral paint as these are less toxic options.

Airlite natural paints also improve the air quality in your living spaces as your walls will mimic an air purifier.

Pipe insulation

Good pipe insulation will save you money in the long run as water will heat up faster, will stay hotter for longer and will avoid frozen, or worse, burst pipes in the winter months.  

 Insulation is priced from around £20 but you may need to pay labour costs, but in the long run it is cost effective.