We would all love to do more for the environment. We know that we’re living in precarious times of environmental devastation and global warming that we all play a part in the protection and destruction of the planet. But too many of us think that “going green” is a far off-dream, something only available to those of us willing to relocate to the wild and live like Bear Grylls.

But what if we told you that switching over to renewable energy was not only easy to do, but also cost-effective? In this post, we’ll show you some simple steps you can take to make your home more self-sufficient so that you can save the world and your pennies at the same time.

Power Your Life with Sunshine: Rooftop Solar Panels

Pop quiz: What source of energy has more than four or five billions year’s worth of potential energy to use? Hint: It’s not the standard. scarce fossil fuels that we’ve all been using. Give up? It’s the sun. That shining burning ball of energy in the sky. The sun is not only the source of that enviable summer tan you’ve been nurturing it’s also a great alternative energy source you can use to power your home.

Rooftop solar panels harness the sun’s energy for a renewable and self-sustaining energy source. Fitted onto the roof of your house, solar panels collect sunshine (even on the innumerable overcast days that are typical British fare) and use its solar cells to generate electricity. Any surplus energy is looped back into the main grid so that you’ve got a backlog of energy to power your home through the darker, colder months. And, unlike fossil fuel, the sun’s energy is free. Purchasing and installing solar panels may come at an initial cost, but it won’t be long until you’ll be making some serious savings on your electricity bills.

Harvest the rain: Rainwater Harvesting

Water may be a human right, but too many of us are spending an arm and a leg on our water utility bills. From drinking water to bath time routines and watering our gardens, water is an essential part of our home lives. Did you know that the average person flushes roughly 24 gallons of water down the toilet every day? Each flush adds up and, with it, so too do your water bills. We’re literally flushing cash down the toilet!

Thankfully, there’s a cheaper, more sustainable alternative. Rainwater harvesting can cut your water utility bills by up to 70%, and all you need is a storage tank and filtration system. Rainwater harvesting recycles rainwater to supply water to your home. In the UK, we are no strangers to rainy skies and damp evenings. But now we have a reason to celebrate, rather than bemoan, the weather. When life gives you lemons… turn your rainwater into a cost-effective, self-sustaining, bill-busting water source.

Pump up your heating and cooling systems: Heat Pumps

In the UK, we spend thousands of pounds trying to regulate our house temperatures. Heating gets whacked up in the cold winter months, and fans and AC are rolled in for freakishly hot weather — such as the kind we experienced during this summer’s extended heat wave. But heating systems and air conditioners are not only expensive to run, but they’re also significant players in your carbon footprint. To avoid extortionate bills and do our best for the environment, many of us suffer the changing temperatures — blanket dresses and makeshift igloos, anyone?

There is, however, an alternative to shivering through winter and sweltering through summer — the humble heat pump. Heat pumps are a cost-effective way to decrease your carbon footprint and save on your bills. They work by moving air from the outside of the house into the inside and vice versa for a self-sufficient loop that provides a great alternative to heating and cooling systems. In the winter, heat is pumped from the outside of the home to heat up the inside and, in the summer, it removes the heat from your house and pumps it outside. It’s simple and elegant science that can lower your energy use by a staggering 40%.

Take small steps to make a big difference and call in the professionals

These three ideas are great ways of incorporating renewable energy into your home. But a word of warning is needed. Solar panels, rainwater harvesters and heat pump all require professional installation and maintenance. The market is flooded with these products, so to make sure that you’re getting the best option, always consult a specialist. Trade comparison websites make finding a trustworthy and knowledgeable tradesperson easy, so don’t skimp out. Poorly fitted or positioned solar panels, heat pumps and rainwater harvesters can end up costing you much more money in the long run and are just not worth the headache. Check in with a professional, and the initial investment will have you saving money for years to come.

If you don’t own your home or don’t have the funds to undertake a big project, there’s still plenty you can do. Small changes make a big difference. Why not try switching your standard light bulbs for LED ones? It’s a small step, but LED light bulbs are 25 times more efficient and way more cost-effective, resulting in substantial long-term savings.

Everyone has the potential to go green — it just takes some thoughtful research and careful planning. Save the planet and your pennies by switching to renewable energy today and make the future a little brighter.

Author bio
Patrick Smithworks with HaMuch, a tradespeople comparison website with a difference. HaMuch allows individuals to search for tradespeople in their local area and compare prices.

*Collaborative guest post