Opt For Energy-Efficient Home Improvements

• May 1, 2018|
• News|
• Darren Clarke

If you’re thinking of making some improvements to your property but are unsure where it’s best to spend your money, you should look at the options that will help boost your home’s energy efficiency.

An article in the Press Herald recently pointed out that, with energy costs rising, it makes sense to look at ways in which you can make your home a more pleasant space while also reducing your outgoings.

As well as saving you money from the outset, this will have the added advantage of making your property more appealing to prospective buyers should you decide to sell up and move elsewhere.

The news provider noted that there are a host of home improvement projects you can consider to improve energy efficiency. Insulation is an obvious place to start and you should find out whether your home has appropriate loft insulation, as well as investigating how well insulated your walls are.

Windows and doors are another area to look at. Modern double glazing is highly effective at keeping your home warm in the winter months. By fitting new windows and uPVC doors in Tameside, you could therefore see your heating bills fall once winter comes around.

They can also improve your home’s security, which is often something that prospective buyers are concerned about, not to mention making your property safer for you and your family as well.

Another thing worth checking from an energy efficiency perspective is your appliances. The news provider pointed out that upgrading the likes of ovens, fridge-freezers and heating systems can all have an impact on the amount you spend on your energy usage.

Again, this will be much more noticeable if you have very old appliances. While it may seem unnecessary to replace something if it’s still working, you are likely to find that, with the energy efficiency improvements in consumer products in recent years, you will notice a difference in the amount you’re spending on energy bills.

One group of people who could benefit from some home upgrades is those whose children have recently left home. The empty nesters, as they’re known, are often prompted to carry out home improvements after their children move elsewhere.

Research published recently by Lloyds Bank found that almost half (43 per cent) of people in this group have made changes to their property since their children moved out. The kitchen and bathroom were the most popular areas selected for a revamp.

The survey also found that empty nesters make changes to the rooms that their children leave empty. While 65 per cent will use them as spare bedrooms for guests, 25 per cent convert this space into a home office.

Meanwhile, 18 per cent convert their child’s bedroom into a hobby room once they have moved out. The financial provider also revealed that, on average, empty nesters are left with two spare bedrooms once their children leave home.

While making these kinds of upgrades to their property, replacing the likes of old double glazing and appliances may be something else for people in this age group to consider. Although many are happy to stay where they are rather than downsizing, it doesn’t hurt to think about the future value of a property when making changes.