Green Buying Tips
Everyone is mindful of the impact their home has on the environment and the government has set a target to make all homes carbon neutral by 2016.
So, if you're about to move home and would prefer to buy a more environmentally friendly abode, what do you look for?
Here are our top ten eco-home features to serve as a guide when you're viewing property. Such features can reduce the carbon emissions of a home and often mean cheaper utilities bills, too:
Insulation
Around one third of heat is lost through the walls in a house without insulation. Ask the vendor if the wall cavities are insulated.
Natural materials
Find out about the materials used in the house, e.g. timber frames, wool or straw insulation and organic paints.
Solar energy
Homes with solar panels for generating electricity or a solar system for heating the water are likely to rely far less on a mains gas or electricity supply.
Wood fired central heating systems
Houses with an open fire or wood burner may have a back boiler connected to the central heating system.
Rainwater or greywater harvesting
A garden containing a water butt for keeping the garden watered or even flushing the WC provides a tick in the eco box and means you don't need to worry about a hosepipe ban in a dry summer. Some homes collect greywater (from sinks and baths) for watering the garden, too.
Composting
A composter in the garden is a great way to produce your own garden compost and reduces your household waste, as well.
Double glazing
The installation of double glazing means that far less heat is lost through the windows. A house with large amounts of glazing allows more daylight into the house, which can reduce the energy consumption of interior lighting and heating.
Heat recovery
Heat recovery captures waste heat energy and reuses it by returning it to the system. Condensing boilers, for example, extract heat from otherwise wasted flue gases.
Modern appliances
Energy efficient appliances, such as dishwashers and tumble driers, all make their contribution to a lower energy demand.
Solar orientation
A property benefiting from a southerly aspect gains more free light and heat.
Have you purchased an eco-friendly home? If you have a story to share, please send us an email
