- by Admin
- in Life Style
At Urban Village, we aim to be as green as possible, and with our gorgeous pink bikes, we really are helping out to do that little extra bit for the environment. But it doesn’t have to stop at taking up two wheels rather than four – in fact, you can start at home – it’s easy when you know how. Our guide to going green is filled with tips and tricks on how best to make a positive change whether you’re moving home or just finding your feet in a new one…
Selling your property? You’ll need an EPC
First things first, if you’ve decided to put your home on the market, you need an energy performance certificate, or an EPC. Designed to confirm how energy efficient your property is, the document will include estimated energy costs, alongside a summary of your home’s energy-performance related features.
Graded between A and G – with A being the best – an EPC will also recommend measures on making your home more energy-efficient with suggested costs for implementing change, lessening the environmental impact of your property. Costing up to £120, all homes need a valid EPC before they can be sold or let, but this can be arranged via Urban Village, allowing us to remove any concerns or confusion.
Small changes make a big eco-friendly difference
Fortunately, there are many different changes you can make in and around your home that will have a big impact on the planet and an EPC, in terms of saving energy and cutting emissions. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to go out and invest in solar panels for your roof or brand new, Energy Star appliances – instead, think better insulation, less food waste and keeping the temperature lower than the Bahamas in July.
Cool down the heat, save energy bills
Yes, it can feel chilly in London over the winter, but turning down the thermostat by just a couple of degrees can really help save on emissions – try sticking to no higher than 18 degrees and treat yourself to a new cosy blanket instead. Not only will your bills start to decrease, but your home will be more eco-friendly and release less emissions into the atmosphere.
Shut out those draughts: add insulation
Finding 18 degrees a bit chilly? We know, it’s not exactly balmy, but trap in your heat and you’ll soon notice the difference. As much as 40% of a home’s heat loss is due to lack of proper insulation but insulating loft or cavity walls is relatively simple and could even save you more than £150 a year in energy bills.
Suzanne’s tip: ‘A draught excluder is the cheapest and easiest way to keep your home warm, but if you’re thinking of redecorating before putting your house on the market, you might want to consider using thermal wallpaper. Not only will it keep you warm before moving, but it’s also an excellent selling point for potential buyers keen on keeping green.’
Be smart: fit thermostats and heating controls
Have you thought about installing smart heating controls at home? Modern and energy-focused, they will certainly have an impact on the sale of your house if you’re planning to move. Plus, you’ll only use the energy you need, saving you money on bills and giving you that warm, environmentally-friendly glow.
Waste not, want not
Be honest, how much food do you throw away every week? If it’s more than you’d like, plan your meals in advance, so you only buy the ingredients you need. Or, even better, you could freeze your leftovers and use them for a packed lunch – at Urban Village, we’re certainly partial to last night’s vegetable lasagne.
Cold water settings on your washing machine
According to Energy Star, 90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes towards heating the water, but cold water actually keeps your clothes in better condition for longer.
Suzanne’s tip: ‘Sometimes cold water just isn’t efficient enough to get rid of stubborn stains, but instead of racking up the heating on your washing machine, try a warm setting. And don’t forget to try avoiding the tumble dryer if you have the space to hang washing outside.’
Add some plants to your home
Effective for indoor air cleaning, potted plants also make your home more welcoming, while bringing a bit of outdoors, inside. Brightening up your home, they can also enhance any room and add that extra touch when opening up your property to buyers or tenants.
New windows: add some double glazing
Double glazing is often top of the list for many house hunters, and can even enhance your property’s value by 10%. Not only that, but the kerb-side appeal of your property will increase; your security will improve; and you will conserve more of your home’s energy.
Wherever you are in your property journey – whether you’re looking for your first home, starting a DIY project before putting your home on the market, or you’ve just moved into a new place – Urban Village can help. We can take the headache out of ECPs, advise on how best to keep green and offer a Home Staging consultation – call us in 020 3519 9121 or email info@urbanvillagehomes.com to find out more.