Green Mortgages

Introduction to Green Home Improvements

In order to enjoy the green incentives offered by the various mortgage providers, you will need to consider possible environmentally friendly home improvements. In many cases, it may be possible to obtain favourable financing to assist with environmentally friendly home improvements. Typical home improvements may include any of the following:

Energy Savers
One of the simplest ways to make a property more energy efficient is to use energy efficient products such as light bulbs and white and brown goods. Almost all electrical suppliers display energy efficient badges on their goods which state exactly how efficient the item is.

Other relatively easy changes include replacing all standard light bulbs with energy efficient light bulbs. Similarly, many energy efficient kitchens have designated places for recycling within the kitchen itself. Other items include disposal units attached to the sink and machines such as can crushers as standard.

Under-floor Heating
Many new build properties are now being designed with under-floor heating built in. By including this type of heating, there will be no need for the property to have several radiators making the look of the property more aesthetically pleasing. Aside from the aesthetics, under-floor heating is far more environmentally sound as the heat is transferred in a much more economical way.

Traditional heating actually heats the room from the top down, whereas under-floor heating heats from the floor upwards, meaning that considerably less energy is required to heat a property. Not only is this more energy efficient, but it is also more cost-effective.

Water Conservation
As a simple measure, it is possible to ensure that energy efficient bathroom items are installed in the property such as toilets with a short flush option and showers that have an economy setting. For those wishing to make even more of an impact, there is the option of having technology installed in your property that collects and recycles rainwater that can then be reused to assist with the gardening and water supply.

Insulation
Good insulation is essential for any energy efficient property. One way of ensuring that a property has suitable insulation but is also environmentally friendly is by using sheep's wool. Anyone building a new property or looking to update their insulation should consider sheep's wool very carefully.

Summary
Anyone applying for a green mortgage should consider the various different ways in which they can make their property more environmentally friendly;
it is possible to obtain incentives for completing improvement work that will make the property environmentally friendly; list the options that you may wish to use and speak to your lender to see if there is any assistance available;
whenever any work is being undertaken, consider whether it could be carried out in a more environmentally friendly way, as this may assist with future applications for a green mortgage.