This Earth Day consider your greener options
21 April 2023
It's Earth Day on Saturday 22nd April and we want to help raise environmental awareness.
More and more people are moving towards a "greener" way of life, with a range of eco-friendly and sustainable products available.
Some involve large investments, others a simple change in behaviour.
We have lower cost loan options to help you invest in those more expensive products, to make your home more sustainable, saving you money in the long run.
Here is a shortlist of some of the green products available currently:
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Electric Cars
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Solar Panels
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Renewable Heat Pumps
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Solar Hot water systems
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Improved insulation
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Smart Controls
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Robotic garden tools
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Energy-saving light bulbs
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Eco-friendly home products (cleaning, washing)
Just to highlight costs associated with the top three on our list:
Electric Cars
The average cost of an electric car in 2023 is £49,111 (Electric Vehicle database March 2023). Electric cars need a bespoke charging unit, delivering electricity up to 7KW. To purchase and install a charging unit the average price is around £800. Please note you need off-street parking to get a wall box installed.
Worth noting also, ESB operates the largest EV charging network on the island of Ireland consisting of more than 1,350 charging points, 319 of which are located across Northern Ireland.
Solar Panels
Green energy is gaining popularity at a fast rate, and solar is one of the best eco-friendly options for homeowners. The average domestic solar PV system is 3.5KWp and costs about £5,500.
Based on Energy Saving Trust estimates, a typical household with a 3.5 kilowatt-peak system can knock between £190 and £465 a year off bills at the current Energy Price Guarantee rates.
Renewable Heating
Heat pumps, solar panels and biomass stoves are all options for heating your home or how water and reducing your carbon footprint. Particularly of interest right now as fuel and heating costs continue to soar. If you're considering installing renewable heating, it's important to take a long-term view. Renewable heating is often more expensive upfront than fossil fuel heating. For example, an air source heat pump can cost around £7,000 and solar water heating around £3,000.
Loan Options Available from Harp and Crown
We could help you on your way to becoming greener, with a lower interest rate option.
*Ts/Cs apply.
Contact us today to find out if you are eligible.
Email creditunion@harpandcrown.co.uk or phone 028 9068 5198 Monday to Friday between 9am - 5pm.
“Save regularly and borrow only what you need.”
The Harp and Crown Credit Union provides safe, secure, flexible finances for the wider police family in Northern Ireland.
