For most of us, our homes are a work in progress. And for some, it might seem like there has been continuous work to be done from the moment you moved in. Getting your home exactly the way you envision is tough.

Trust me, I know. We’ve spent quite a bit of time improving our 1930’s house and there’s still a lot of work to do.

But in all this hard work to make your home perfect for you, it’s easy to forget about your impact on your surroundings. So how can you maintain this balance? Well here are a few things to check on so that your home is fantastic for both your family and the environment.

SEAL YOURSELF OFF

I don’t mean cutting yourself off from the outside world and staying indoors all the time. I mean making sure your home is properly sealed. This is all about blocking off any draughts and fixing any leaks. After all, a big part of staying comfortable in your own home is maintaining the right temperature indoors.

Get any water leaks fixed ASAP since these can cause huge headaches down the line. And for draughts, stick some adhesive draught excluders along the gaps around your windows and doors. If want something more creative, you can go the DIY route and make your own.

GARDEN STRATEGICALLY

Spring is just around the corner so if you have a green thumb, you’re probably itching to get out there and getting your hands dirty. But before you start for the year, have you thought about the impact of your garden to your surrounding area? It’s very easy to overlook.

It’s a good idea to use plants that are native to your environment. Not only will they prosper, they will also help out the local wildlife. Another thing to check up is the layout of your garden. For example, you can position trees for shade and keeping your home cool in the summer. They also protect against wind during the colder months.

MAKE SURE YOUR HEATING IS AT ITS BEST

Alright, your central heating might not be the most glamorous part of your home. It’s supposed to run in the background so most people shouldn’t notice it. But if it breaks down, that’s when you start paying attention. It’s so important to take care of your heating to avoid any problems.

Check that your heating system is running smoothly by scheduling an annual check-up. This is necessary so you can enjoy your warm home during the cold winter months without any hiccups.

GO SMART

The trend of the smart home is not just some technological fad. From the looks of things, it’s here to stay. And with good reason to. Some reduce your water usage, while others help keep your boiler running efficiently. Who wouldn’t want to control their home from their phone? And who would want to pass up on the savings of smarter energy use?

There are many gadgets to up your tech game at home. From smart shower heads and light bulbs to smart thermostats and locks, you can probably find something for every part of your home. Just find a house item, stick the word smart in front of it, and there’s probably a technological gadget version of it!