Is it worth making your property more energy efficient?

Do you want to make your home more environmentally friendly but are not sure where to start, or whether it’s even worthwhile?

Green credentials are now a stronger selling point for a property than ever before and there’s little doubt buyers are motivated by green investments you may have made in your home. Even just small eco-improvements around your home will benefit the environment and increase your home’s value.

Making such changes is one of the easiest ways you can boost your asking price or make your property more appealing. As well as reducing your impact on the environment, you’ll save money on utility bills.

Although you may feel overwhelmed by the deluge of information about climate change, energy issues and savings, to the point that you don’t quite know where to start, there are many ways to make positive changes for a minimal cost in terms of dollars and time.

First National Real Estate’s 10 tips for creating a greener household include:

1. Install a triple A-rated showerhead and a dual flush toilet to cut your water usage. If you rent your home, consider adding a 1.25 litre PET bottle filled with water to your toilet cistern to reduce the tank’s capacity.
2. Replace standard globes with energy efficient (compact fluorescent) light bulbs.
3. Install a water tank to use rainwater on the garden. In some homes, this can halve water usage and deliver a greener, more attractive garden during summer.
4. Have your home’s insulation checked – walls and ceilings may need a top-up.  Good insulation can save up to 55 per cent of heating and cooling costs.
5. Repair the trim around windows and doors to prevent drafts and heat loss.
6. When replacing old or cracked windows use double-glazed glass. It provides better insulation for heat and noise, while acting as a deterrent to burglars due to its strength.
7. Use solar powered outdoor lights to illuminate your pathways and garden at night.
8. Install ceiling fans.  They’re far more energy efficient than air conditioners but will provide a cooling air-flow on hot summer days.
9. Think long-term and plant deciduous trees in areas that let the sun in during winter and provide shade in summer.
10. Start a compost heap to minimise waste sent to landfill, and provide your garden with a great source of nutrients.

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