Over time and with so much focus on climate change and sustainable living, the demand for greener homes is on the rise.

Here are a few key home improvements that you can make to your property to make it greener but which will ultimately save you money too.

Solar Panels

Solar panels convert energy from sunlight into electricity, making your home greener by having to use far less electricity. 

Solar panels have been popular in the UK for more than a decade and whilst they are expensive to install , they will save you around £270 on your electricity bills per year and also add £12,000 to the overall value of your home if you decide to sell one day.

Some people are lucky enough to find that solar panels make enough electricity for them to go completely off grid.

Energy Efficient Windows

Installing double or triple glazing will keep the heat in your home far more effectively and save you money on your energy bill. Essentially, they create an insulating barrier that keeps the heat inside the building – and you can choose between uPVC or steel windows to be extra green since these are both recyclable.

Make Your House Warmer, Naturally

Some very minor improvements can make your home warmer and therefore reduce the need for using your central heating. This includes covering any drafts under the doors or windows, with rugs, carpets or curtains.

With some natural sunlight every day, consider opening your blinds and use this sun to heat up your rooms.

Consider filling up some common areas and rooms a bit more – since the busier they are, the less drafty and warmer they can be.

Create Your Own Compost

If you are a keen gardener why not create your own compost by allocating a bed in the garden and add any leftover vegetables and fruit that you are not eating or have left over to it. 

You can alternatively buy a compost bin very cheaply from many home/DIY outlets and some refuse services will offer to give them free of charge to households, to place in their kitchens. Scrape any leftover, or old food into them and simply leave it be. Over time it will turn into useful compost that can be used in the garden and also save you so much money on fertiliser in the long run.

Use Efficient Appliances

From Energy Star ceiling fans, light bulbs and refrigerators, there are a number of clever and greener additions to make around the home.

We’d also recommend getting a Smart Meter installed in your home. These can be programmed to only come on at certain times of the day, so could be used to heat the house up before you return from work or turn on a little while before you get up in a morning during Winter.

This will help avoid leaving the heating on for longer than you actually need.