Get smart with your home

Smart metres are gaining popularity and it’s not hard to see why. If you’re guilty of leaving the heating on, or not keeping track of your bills, a smart metre can help you get on top of your consumption.

Using one, you’ll be able to keep up-to-date in terms of your energy consumption in real-time, which encourages you to adopt more conservative behaviour -especially when you see how much it costs to run a dryer!

Replace your boiler

If your boiler isn’t A-rated, then it’s time to get an upgrade. All new boilers should be hitting the top ratings, so if your boiler is more than 15 years old, the replacement is sure to be a big improvement.

The money a new boiler can save (roughly £170, should you be upgrading from a D-rated boiler) means that over the course of its lifetime, your boiler should return your investment, making it well worth splashing the cash on now.

Install a low-flow showerhead

This is a super cheap way to limit the water you use and can be done in an afternoon with a little DIY.

By choosing a low-flow showerhead, you can limit the amount of water going down the drain by up to 50% - not a figure to sniff at! This will not only help towards the UK’s depleting resources, but it’ll also help you save money when your next water bill arrives.

Collect your rainwater

If you’ve got a garden, it’s likely that you have a lot of thirsty plants in the summer. Rather than relying on your hosepipe, a more eco-friendly alternative is to collect rainwater. You can do this by installing a water butt that’s connected to your gutters and downpipes, where runoff can settle inside. In some areas, you can even request a free water butt from your local authority.

To avoid your water butt getting smelly, remember to…

• Clean your water butts annually
• Store yours in a shady area
• Use frequently to reduce standing times
• Keep your guttering clear of organic material, as this encourages bacteria

*Are you undertaking an extension or large-scale renovation and want to make sure your project stays kind to the earth? Book a free consultation with our team and enjoy expert advice for every stage of your project. *