Making your home more economical is not only great for your wallet but also for the environment. When looking to buy in a challenging market, ensuring your home is energy-efficient and cost-effective is essential for both the planet and money management.  

All homes available for you to buy from Southern Housing New Homes are brand new and designed with efficiency in mind, but the following five changes can make any home even more sustainable and economical. If you’re trying to save up for your deposit these small changes could have a big impact on your wallet and the planet. 

 1. Energy-Efficient Appliances 

Ensuring that the majority of your appliances are energy-efficient when you purchase them is one of the easiest ways to lower your energy consumption. Look for appliances with high energy ratings, such as A++. These models use less electricity and water, helping to reduce your utility bills.  Southern Housing New Homes come equipped with modern, high specification appliances to ensure that your home remains as economical as possible. 

 2. Install Smart Thermostats 

Smart thermostats are a great investment for controlling your home’s energy use. These devices learn your habits and adjust heating and cooling systems to save energy without compromising comfort. You can also control them remotely, making it easy to reduce energy consumption when you're not at home. By installing a smart thermostat, you’ll not only lower your energy bills but also make your home more environmentally friendly. 

3. Cook Smarter 

Cooking can account for over 20% of your home’s total energy use. By using energy-efficient cooking methods, you can significantly reduce this figure. Batch cooking is a great way to make a big impact without purchasing new appliances. You can cook once and enjoy meals for several days, saving both time and energy. Using glass or ceramic dishes can also reduce energy use, as they retain heat better, allowing you to cook at lower oven temperatures. Consider alternatives to conventional cooking methods, like slow cookers, microwaves, or air fryers, which use far less energy than traditional ovens and hobs. A slow cooker, for example, costs as little as £15 and can make a big difference to your energy consumption. 

 4. Switch to Energy-Saving Light Bulbs 

Lighting can account for a significant portion of your energy bill. Switching to LED bulbs is a small change that can have a big impact. These bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer, saving you money on replacements as well as electricity. Energy-saving lighting is an easy, affordable upgrade that you can implement in any home. 

 5. Be Water-Wise 

Reducing water waste can help lower both your water and energy bills. Installing low-flow showerheads and taps and making sure that dishwashers and washing machines are full before running them, can significantly cut down on water usage. Additionally, fixing any leaks promptly can prevent water waste and avoid costly damage. 

Making your home more economical doesn’t have to involve large, costly changes. By adopting these tips, you can make a significant impact on both your energy bills and your carbon footprint.   

Want to learn more about making your home economical? Visit our parent brand’s Energy-Saving Advice for more helpful tips, or explore a range of modern, Shared Ownership homes available in London and beyond.