by Angela Cotton
Historic homes were far and away the most popular for visitors during Southampton’s Green Open Homes Week last month. Householders were able to show how they had improved insulation and green credentials while remaining sensitive to heritage, and owners of Edwardian houses demonstrated that heat pumps could comfortably heat these old properties. The event was supported by the Environment Centre, whose “My Home Made Better” project offers Southampton homeowners free, personalised and impartial advice on improving comfort and reducing running costs in their homes as well as making them greener. Do contact them if you’d like advice, via
https://myhomemadebetter/
Meanwhile my own contribution to Open Homes week was to show visitors how we have kept bills down and reduced environmental impact in our modest Summerfield Gardens bungalow via solar panels, solar water heating, a heat pump, a rainwater flushing system and use of eco friendly materials. These include modern lino, not vinyl, flooring but a natural material with antibacterial properties. Although the event has finished, late visitors are still welcome to contact the organisers via https://openhomes.transitionsouthampton.org/
Solar panels,rainwater flushing & heat pump