10 Simple Home Upgrades That Can Save You Money
As we celebrate UK Savings Week, there’s no better time to focus on how we can make the most out of our homes. Whether you’re looking to cut down on everyday expenses or invest in long-term savings, your home is one of the best places to start.
For those who own a Dandara new build home, you’re already ahead of the curve—these homes are designed with modern efficiency and sustainability in mind. But even with a brand-new, fully equipped home, there are still simple, cost-effective upgrades you can make that will save you money over time.
We’ve put together a list of practical home improvements tailored specifically for new build homes like those from Dandara. These tips will help you maximise your savings while enjoying all the benefits of your stylish, comfortable, and energy-efficient home.
1. Switch to LED Lighting
LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. By replacing all your light bulbs with LEDs, you’ll notice an immediate drop in your electricity consumption. Additionally, LED lights come in various styles and brightness levels, allowing you to maintain the aesthetic appeal of your new home while being energy-efficient.
2. Install a Water Butt for Rainwater Harvesting
Collecting rainwater using a water butt can help you save on water bills, especially during the gardening season. Rainwater can be used for watering plants, washing cars, or even cleaning outdoor spaces. This simple addition to your garden can reduce your reliance on tap water and lower your water usage costs.
3. Use Draft Excluders and Door Sweeps
Even in well-sealed homes, small gaps under doors can let cold air in, making your heating system work harder. Adding draft excluders or door sweeps is a low-cost way to prevent drafts, keeping your home warmer and reducing your heating bills.
4. Install Motion Sensor Lights
Motion sensor lights are a great way to save on electricity by ensuring that lights are only on when needed. These can be particularly useful for outdoor areas, garages, or rooms that aren’t used frequently, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
5. Invest in Thermal Curtains
Thermal curtains are designed to keep heat in during the winter and block out heat in the summer, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home. This can reduce the need for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, lowering your energy bills.
6. Plant Shade Trees or Install Awnings
Landscaping can also contribute to energy savings. Planting shade trees around your home or installing awnings over windows reduces the amount of direct sunlight entering your home, keeping it cooler in the summer. This passive cooling method reduces the need for air conditioning, lowering your energy
7. Cook Smartly with a Slow Cooker or Pressure Cooker
Using a slow cooker or pressure cooker instead of an oven or stove can save energy, especially for meals that require long cooking times. These appliances are more energy-efficient and can help reduce your electricity consumption in the kitchen.
8. Use Energy-Efficient Window Treatments
While your windows are already well-sealed, adding energy-efficient blinds or shades can further reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Cellular shades, for example, offer insulation and can significantly enhance your home’s energy
9. Use Smart Power Strips
Many electronic devices continue to draw power even when turned off, a phenomenon known as "phantom load" or "vampire energy." Smart power strips automatically cut off power to devices that aren’t in use, preventing this unnecessary energy drain. By reducing standby power consumption, these strips can lower your electricity bills with minimal effort.
10. Cook Smartly with a Slow Cooker or Pressure Cooker
Using a slow cooker or pressure cooker instead of an oven or stove can save energy, especially for meals that require long cooking times. These appliances are more energy-efficient and can help reduce your electricity consumption in the kitchen.
Dandara homes are designed to provide comfort, style, and efficiency right from the start. However, by making a few simple upgrades, you can enhance your home's efficiency even further, leading to significant cost savings over time. Whether it’s through reducing energy consumption, conserving water, or improving insulation, these small investments will pay off in the long run.
Not only will you enjoy lower utility bills, but you'll also be contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle. Start with a few of these upgrades, and you’ll soon notice the difference in both your home's performance and your household budget.