HOME EDITION
Kitchens Tomas Kitchen Living tomas-kitchen-living.co.uk Bathrooms Ripples ripplesbathrooms.com Redecoration & Interior Design Consultancy Catherine Harhalakis catherineharhalakisinteriors.com Energy Efficiency Advice Cambridge Carbon Footprint cambridgecarbonfootprint.org ASK THE EXPERTS These local businesses are on hand to help with renovation endeavours
Power found that fitting solar panels and EV charging points can boost your home value by up to £10,000. Although the upfront costs can be a barrier, grants, green loans and financial advice make these improvements more accessible, particularly for more advanced additions such as loft or wall insulation, solar panels or heat pumps. Solar panels, in particular, offer quick payback and enable homeowners to go fully electric. Other simple, cost-effective measures include installing thermostats to control heating, upgrading appliances and improving insulation, while steps such as draught-proofing, installing reflective radiator films and upgrading glazing can significantly reduce heat loss. Decarbonising homes is an evolving process that offers many rewards if thought through carefully. “Our homes adapt and evolve as our needs and means do,” says Fran. “So plan accordingly and enjoy the experience and myriad other benefits for health, lifestyle and community you’ll reap along the way.” HARNESSING THE SUN Open Eco Homes aims to show that adding solar panels and electrifying your property is a great investment
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