Looking to sell your home this autumn? Going greener could boost your property’s appeal to potential buyers – and help save on energy bills. It is well known that older properties are not as energy efficient as new-build homes, but there is nothing to stop you from going all out to make your home as energy-smart as possible. Harrison Murray Estate Agency and Nottingham Estate Agency (both part of the Nottingham) say now is the perfect time to start introducing a few extra measures and checks which will help you – and your new buyer – reap the benefits when the colder weather arrives.

Head of estate agency at the Nottingham, Su Snaith, said: “By putting a few measures in place now, particularly if you are looking to sell your home, you and your buyer could be reaping the benefits of taking energy efficient action early and heading off bigger than necessary bills this winter.”

Be energy-savvy by:

• Checking your loft insulation is thick enough and in good condition. If you are using mineral wool insulation, a depth of 270mm is recommended (other materials may require different depths). Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and double-glazing can all help protect your home and save money on heating bills. You may be eligible for a grant to help with some of this work.
• Bleeding radiators to get rid of any air inside which may lead to increased bills if the water can’t heat up effectively. Turning down the heat by just 1C can save about £90 a year (based on a typical three-bedroom semi-detached home, heated by gas).
• Using energy efficient light bulbs – they can last up to 10 times longer than standard bulbs. LED lighting spotlights instead of conventional bulbs will cut about £35 a year from your bill. Fully draught proofing your home. It could save about £55 a year.
• Don’t forget to keep doors closed in rooms you are using to keep the heat in. Remembering to turn off household appliances such as microwaves, TVs, videos, music systems, and computers when not in use, as they continue to use energy when they are left on standby.
  Defrosting your fridge frequently and checking the door seals. When buying new white goods, try and purchase more eco-friendly models.
• Drying your clothes outside (when possible) rather than using a tumble dryer. But if you do need to dry your clothes indoors, use a clothes rail instead of a radiator as this stops the heat from reaching the rest of the room.
• Insulating your hot water cylinder with a well-fitted tank jacket could save you around £20-£30 a year, more if you heat your water electrically. Insulating the hot water pipes will also save more energy, and can help your taps to run hot more quickly.
• Saving water. If everybody in your family of four replaces one bath a week with a five-minute shower, you can save up to £20 a year on gas bills and up to £25 on water bills (if you have a water meter).
• Going greener in the garden by using a water butt to collect surplus rainwater.

Article taken from Leicester Mercury on 26th September 2016