What else can I do to make my house more sustainable?
There are a number of other ways to make your house more sustainable and save money on energy and water bills. There are also other government rebates and schemes that you may be eligible for if you take steps to make you home more sustainable.
Minimise Draughts
One of the largest causes of unwanted heat loss/gain in homes is the presence of draughts that allow the penetration of outdoor air. Many draughts occur around doors and windows, unused chimneys and ducted heating vents and from cracks or gaps in floorboards. Try lighting a stick of incense to give you an indication of where draughts might be occurring. To help prevent draughts:
- Use draught stoppers and weather strips around doors or windows
- Block disused chimneys
- Temporarily cover disused vents with cardboard backed with bubble wrap
Protect Windows
Single-glazed windows are the weakest point in an otherwise well insulated home.
- Consider replacing existing single glazed windows with insulated double-glazed units
- If renting, consider using temporary window insulation or similar
- Cover large (especially South-facing) windows with thick curtains