There are usually two things that spring to mind when we think about making environmentally friendly home improvements: reducing emissions and saving money. The two do of course go hand in hand; if you spend less on energy, then you emit less CO2.
Whatever your priorities, we can all agree that cutting energy use is a good thing. The problem is that green improvements aren’t always cheap to begin with, which puts many people off, even if there is the promise of future savings. Fortunately however, there are two answers to the problem. Firstly, there are in fact many things that you can do yourself without spending a lot of money, and secondly, you can potentially earn money from having an environmentally friendly home.
Go Green on a Budget
Let’s start with the things that you can do cheaply at home.
Waste water is a considerable problem that we face in this country, simply because we’re so used to having an unlimited supply. It can be difficult to consciously use less water, but there are ways in which you can ensure that you always do. Generally, this will involve changing the plumbing of taps and toilets in the home. While this might sound like a big job, there are actually many inexpensive kits available that can be fitted with minimal hassle. They work to passively reduce the volume of water used when a tap is on or when a toilet is flushed. You will need some basic plumbing knowledge, but the majority of kits do not require extensive configuration of pipes.
Insulation is something that a lot of people are aware of. If you can keep heat in, then you’ll need to use the central heating system far less often, which means you’ll be saving money and cutting down on emissions. The downside is that cavity wall insulation and full loft insulation isn’t always cheap, or even something that you can do easily yourself. You can however ensure that your water tanks and pipes are properly insulated, which is a job you can do without specialist knowledge. For the tanks in your loft or airing cupboard, you can buy jackets in a variety of sizes that are easily attached. Pipes require a little more work, as you need to wind mineral wool mat around them, but this is still inexpensive and simple. Ensuring your water system is well insulated will mean that it retains warmth for longer, and won’t need heating as often.
Getting a Return on Your Investment
If you’re looking for something that will not only save you money, but will in fact earn money, then the primary option is to go with solar panels. Large systems on your roof are unlikely to be something that you can fit yourself, but even with the cost of installation, solar paneling is a worthwhile investment. This is because you can of course sell the power you make back to the National Grid when you’re not using it. Solar PV systems are of course costly initially, but it’s generally estimated that they will pay for themselves after between 10 and 15 years. Beyond that is all profit. You can go to www.ecolutionrenewables.com to learn more.
To conclude, it can be hard to justify a large outlay on economical home improvements, because savings can take a long time to accrue. With the promise of future profits however, things can become more attractive. Alternatively, there are methods of cutting emissions with very little outlay at all, and they can be undertaken with basic DIY knowledge.
