The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Dream homes are about more than looking good
Architect and TV presenter George Clarke is an expert on creating stunning and sustainable homes. But there’s so much more to a dream home than it just being green and goodlooking, he insists.
We should never forget the fundamentals of homes, he stresses – they need to be warm, comfortable, and safe.
Clarke, the presenter of shows including George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces and Old House, New Home, says: “Obviously, it’s all about saving energy and reducing bills at the moment, and part of that is being sustainable for the planet.
“But there’s also something that people don’t talk about enough, and that’s being comfortable and warm and protected in your house. That feels great.”
Here are Clarke’s tips for keeping sustainably warm and safe in your home – and saving money:
INSULATION IS KEY
Clarke stresses that insulation is the best thing to keep your house warm. “Make sure your loft’s really well insulated, and get rid of draughts,” he advises.
“I still go into people’s houses and I cannot believe how draughty some of them are – they haven’t put draught excluders on doors or keyholes. On a windy day, the wind that comes through a keyhole is unbelievable.”
As well as getting rid of gaps around windows and doors, and insulating the loft, Clarke says wall insulation is worth considering too.
REPLACE YOUR BOILER WITH A HEAT PUMP
Clarke has also changed his gas boiler for an air source heat pump, which he describes as “phenomenal”.
But he’s making no claims they’re an affordable option – although over the long-term, the heat pumps can save a lot of money on bills, and they’re far more environmentally-friendly.
“One of the best things I’ve ever put in is an air source heat pump,” he declares. “So, I’ve got rid of my gas boiler – I’m not gasdependent at all.
“My bills are definitely down, it’s amazing – they’re 30-40% less than they’d normally be.
“That’s a decent saving every year, but you’ve got to buy the kit,” Clarke says.
MAKE SUSTAINABLE CHANGES
“Things like turning your boiler down by one or two degrees – when I was a kid, my nanna and grandad used to say, ‘Just put an extra jumper on’.”
He adds: “And if you want one cup of tea, just boil one cup of water in the kettle.
“But we never do that, do we? We fill it up to the top.”
He suggests trying to use less water at home and points out: “Showers use a huge amount less water than baths. That’s going to make a difference.”
CAMERA SECURITY
As well as keeping warm and cosy in your home, Clarke stresses how important it is to feel safe there, and he’s had security cameras installed at his house.
“Technology has come on so much and now there are very high resolution cameras,” he says.
George Clarke has partnered with smarthome security brand Arlo to help homeowners keep their properties secure through DIY connected security cameras.