Make your home more energy efficient for free

This time of year is often associated with higher energy consumption as the temperatures drop and the heating gets turned up, but making small changes can mean a more eco friendly home that stays warmer for longer and requires less electricity to power it.

Drains in winter FAQ

Drains and plumbing can cause the most headaches in the winter months. In order to prepare before the cold sets in we caught up with the experts at Dyno-Rod to answer three of the most frequently asked drain questions.

Top tips on preparing your home for winter

Winter weather is here and soon the frost will come. Now is the time to prepare your home for the winter months. Here are the top tasks to be done to prepare for winter.

Green heroes: The Raindrop

The eco credentials of a new rain barrel has earned Studio Bas van der Veer a place on the Green Heroes role. The Green Heroes are a set of products and pieces for the home chosen by television personality Kevin McCloud to feature at the Grand Designs Live events.

Hanging fire cocoon for winter warmth

While summer might not be over it is time to start thinking about heating for the winter. If you want to install a fireplace, now it the time to do it to ensure you benefit from the warmth when the cold comes.

DIY composting at home

Boost your eco rating and consider installing a compost bin in your garden. Compost is a great natural way to feed your garden and a carbon friendly method of ridding your home from food scraps.

Get solar panels installed before the end of July.

Countdown until solar tariffs are scaled back

Homeowners and investors looking to install solar panels need to get a move on if they want to take advantage of the high feed-in tariff rates. The tariff for installed photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on UK rooftops is to be scaled back from the end of July.

A guide to the Feed-In Tariff scheme for solar panels

Paul Beaumont, Managing Director of The House of Solar, discusses the financial benefits of the Feed-In Tariff scheme and explains why now is the time to act. He decides if now is a good time to install solar panels.

A traditional cooker without the huge running costs

A traditional cooker is lovely to use and looks fantastic in the kitchen but they often cost a lot to run. It is estimated that a traditional cooker costs £30 per week to run yet the British love affair with the old utility is not over.

Sweet benefits come from a backyard beehive

Backyard beehives have become a popular addition to sustainably-minded home gardens. About one third of the food we eat requires pollination at some point by the little creature we call a bee. Here is how to encourage them in your own garden.

How to make your home more energy efficient

Taking action to improve your home’s energy efficiency will save you money and lead to a better lifestyle. With some simple changes your home will require less heating, cooling and have a better climate for day-to-day life. We show you how.

Toby Buckland’s tips for the garden during the hosepipe ban

Almost half of all Brits will break the current hosepipe ban with some labeling it ‘pointless’. Celebrity gardener Toby Buckland is warning people to stick with the ban and choose alternative methods for watering the garden.

Draught proofing products to save on energy costs at home

There are plenty of draught proofing products on the market which are easy to install and will save the hot or cold air escaping from your home. To save on energy bills we have picked two products which will make a difference once installed.

Protect your home from flooding

Heavy rainfall has led to forecast flooding in some parts of the UK so make sure you prepare. Insurer Hiscox is urging homeowners to take steps to help prevent water entering their property and causing damage.

Green roof for grass lovers

Green roofs are an environmentally friendly way to incorporate nature into the design of your home or garden shed. They are relatively unknown by most homeowners but green roofs are a good option both visually and in terms of eco efficiency.

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Natural tones spring trend

Forget bright and bold when redecorating your home as pale tones make a furnishings comeback. It seems spring may bring out colours in the garden but many home furnishing companies are offering a range of paler tones for customers.