Home improvements that will save you money

We often think about home improvements as costing a lot of money. And what usually springs to mind are modern extensions, luxury bathrooms and designer kitchens. But home improvement isn’t just about splashing out on bigger and better homes. It’s also about improving your home to help increase your quality of life and to save you money in the long term. And here’s three ways you can do that.

Using less water

This is a big deal, especially if you’re on a water meter. But what improvements can you make that will cut down on your water usage and save you money? There are lots of little measures you can take that will add up to a big change. Putting a water saving device in your toilet cistern is a good idea if you don’t have a dual flush. You could switch your shower head to one that aerates the water, so you use less. You could also put a timer in the bathroom, so you don’t spend too long in the shower. And you could install a water butt in your garden, so you can water the plants with rainwater instead of using the tap. These of course are just a few of the affordable improvements you can make. Changing your habits alongside this, will go a long way to saving you money.

Adding insulation

First of all, you don’t have to completely seal your house to add warmth and lower bills. It doesn’t make structural or financial sense to. But some improvements are certainly worth doing and they’re worth doing well. They don’t even need professional help or cost that much to do. Making sure your loft is insulated properly is the key improvement. What does loft insulation cost though? Well, you may be surprised that it can cost as little as £2.50 p/m². And it will bring your heating bills down.

Switching appliances

Buying all new appliances to cut your energy usage and help the environment can be tempting. But it’s expensive and potentially wasteful if your old appliances end up in landfill. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it at all. Every household appliance has a lifespan. So, as each item reaches its end, that’s when you should look to make improvements. Rather than replace like for like, spend a bit more to get the best rated product you can afford. Look for appliance models with good energy ratings but also look for reputable manufacturers. Ideally you want a washing machine or fridge that will last you more than a few years, so you’re not just saving electricity but on the number of purchases you need to make in the long run.

You may also decide to switch up how you utilize certain appliances to make sure you’re getting the most for your money. For example, did you know that a good HVAC system can be used for heating also? This can save you money in a distinct room than switching on the central heating would, allowing you to be more careful with how your appliances are used, and the utilities they provide.

*This is a collaborative post.