Thursday, February 24, 2011
Category:
Home Improvements
According to estate agents, it is possible for homeowners to make savings by taking ‘small steps to green their home’. Therefore, the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) is encouraging homeowners to make efficiencies in their properties by taking advantage of the ‘simple solutions currently on the market’.
With carbon reductions on the UK government’s agenda, emissions reportedly need to be reduced by 34 percent in order to meet 2020 targets. As a result, to help achieve this aim, property owners are being urged to refurbish their homes with products that are more environmentally friendly.
For homeowners who would like to make these ‘green’ improvements, whilst making savings at the same time, the NAEA is advising them to consider the following:
- Cavity-wall insulation to harness the heat generated in the property – thus resulting in ‘substantial savings’ on energy bills.
- Draught-stripping to lessen draughts and air permeation in the property, which assists with heat retention and leads to savings in the long run.
- Replacing an old boiler with a new one to reduce both emissions and bills.
- Loft insulation as a ‘cheap and easy way to top up insulation already installed’.
Chief Executive of the NAEA, Peter Bolton King, commented: "It is important that homeowners are aware of the options available to them when looking to make carbon efficiencies to their property.
"There are many funding choices out there making the installation of simple green measures a much more affordable option.
"It is proposed that loans will be made available under the Government's Green Deal initiative - which aims to tackle global warming - will assist further in helping homeowners to invest in low carbon solutions. The details of these schemes are currently being worked on by the government.
"The CBI's latest survey looking at the specifics of the Green Deal highlights the importance of greening your property. They found that energy used in buildings accounts for a staggering 43% of UK carbon emissions.
"Therefore it is important that homeowners consider more environmentally friendly alternatives for running a property. But whilst doing DIY is very admirable, we urge them to seek the advice of professionals when looking to install green technologies in the home."
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Homeowners who are looking to make carbon efficiencies in their property, but do not have the funds available to facilitate the work, could consider taking out a secured loan. One of many finance options available, a secured loan for
home improvements could allow borrowers to embark upon an array of ‘green’ projects. For example, homes could be fully insulated to assist with heat retention. In addition, any ill-fitting windows or doors could be replaced to minimise draughts. A secured loan could pave the way to a more environmentally friendly property, which could in turn reduce long-term energy bills.
