There are a few home care habits that can add value to the property both inside and out and make it a much more pleasant place to live, or even work. However, there are some methods that will help you keep a safer and more attractive house that benefits everyone. From combating energy vampires to keeping out the cold, here are some common examples.
Use Experts for Annual Servicing
Getting to know your home inside and out is a good thing, and it means you can do most things yourself. This will help you maintain a great home and keep it in good condition. Not only will this help save money, but it will also contribute to the property keeping its value. However, there are some things that (usually legally) require a professional. These include most plumbing services, electrical fittings and anything to do with gas, so it’s best to book annual servicing.
Be Aware of Energy Vampires
Did you know you are being stalked by vampires? Unfortunately, garlic won’t work here, as these are energy vampires that love nothing more than sucking the power from your grid and money from your wallet. Some of the most common examples include devices on standby, mobile phone chargers and kitchen appliances. These cost UK households an average of between £50 and £80 per year, but can easily be reduced by unplugging unused devices.
Outdoor Home Care Habits
A recent survey found that while most homeowners keep a nice house inside, up to 70% admit to neglecting the exterior. This is worrying because it could lead to neglect of the interior, too. However, it will also make it harder to sell your home and keep its value. Fortunately, you can improve the appeal of your home with simple outdoor tasks. For example, cleaning the gutters and checking the roof adds instant appeal, but a clean and tidy yard is as safe as it is attractive.
Take the Fight to the Cold
Combating the cold can feel like a never-ending battle in Britain. It isn’t the warmest place to live, but you do have a few weapons in your arsenal that you may not have thought about. If you can afford it, installing double-paned windows makes a huge difference as sunlight heats up as it passes through and can warm a room by a few degrees. Of course, this isn’t enough alone. You also need to add weather stripping to stop draughts and check your loft insulation is fluffy.
Change How You Do Laundry
Laundry is a necessary part of modern life and contributes to a safe and sanitary home. While it can seem like it never ends, it can help to have a laundry schedule and ensure all family members stick to it. This can help when avoiding higher on-peak energy charges to save money. However, it also helps to learn about alternative washing and drying settings. If there is an eco mode, use it! You can also switch to low-temperature laundry detergent pods.
Summary
Calling in the experts for annual servicing will help ensure appliances like the boiler run smoothly without expensive repair bills. It also helps to check the exterior parts of the house, such as the gutters, and changing how you approach laundry can save a lot of money.