We all know very well about the topic of zero waste, but when we are working towards making a home more energy efficient, there are simple alterations (for example, a LED light bulb), but there are also larger components that you can add to your property. So in terms of design and practicality, what are the best approaches to give your property a better chance of being energy efficient?
Insulation is the Key to Everything
You need to look at the doors, windows, loft, and walls of the property and address if they are actually sealed and insulated. Because if you find air seeping through the cracks, insulation will keep your home cool in summer and warm in the winter and ensure that your cooling or heating systems don’t work excessively to regulate the temperature. This is where window panes are often missed opportunities. You can find energy efficient windows near you that will provide an extra element of insulation, as well as additional security for the property. You also need to pay attention to the insulation of the ceilings, floors, walls, and building seals. If you want to be energy efficient you will need to install more insulation than is the bare minimum.
Have the Right Building Materials
If you want to be more energy efficient in terms of design choices, you need to find the right sustainable materials. There are a wide variety of sustainable building materials you could use to repair and add to your property. These include the following:
- Reclaimed wood
- Concrete
- Bamboo
- Spray foam insulation
- Recycled steel
- Eco-friendly paint
If you are upgrading your home or building a new one, sustainable materials can be factored into the overall design to improve energy efficiency, but will also make a big difference in terms of your waste because you are not sending as much of it to incinerators or landfills.
The Potential of Solar Power
Solar power is often touted as a catch-all solution. It can be very effective, however, you need to consider some of the following:
- The direction your house is facing. If you have many south-facing windows, you will be able to heat the home more efficiently in the winter and stay cooler in the summer. Covering the windows will keep your home cooler.
- The cost. While solar power can be expensive, it is a very excellent return on investment depending on where you are. There are many solar energy companies that are now paying people for any additional energy solar panels produce.
- How it may affect your overall home costs. It can be an investment upfront but solar panels could have an impact on your mortgage.
Installing Smart Home Systems
One of the most commonly discussed aspects of the modern home is having smart meters and lighting systems installed. Smart upgrades can do a lot to make life easier for you, but they can also save money on your energy bills. Smart home devices are useful because they learn your habits and preferences and can make suggestions according to your energy users based on how much you wish to say. Some popular upgrades include the following:
- Smart security systems.
- Smart thermostats.
- Smart lighting systems.
- Home hubs.
- Energy meters.
Ensuring that you are able to upgrade to a smart home is not just about saving money but many people may have quibbles with regard to plugging their home into the internet. Many people become so reliant on the internet, but if it goes down that means it may prove to be a problem. Give consideration to your local area and the quality of the internet before you undergo this.
Purchase Efficient Utilities and Supplies
Your appliances might be the problem behind the energy bills. There’s a variety of energy-efficient appliances, such as the aforementioned LED lights, but also you can now purchase energy-efficient washing machines, refrigerators, dehumidifiers, and dishwashers. Finding energy-efficient appliances is far easier these days. Just make sure that they have been certified by Energy Star.
Think About Your Location
Finally, before you begin remodeling your home, you’ve got to have an inherent understanding of the energy concerns based on your location. If you live in a more temperate climate, you may not need to put as much effort into insulating the property and there could be more effective ways to be more energy efficient in the long run.
If you really want to make your home energy efficient these are some of the best ways to do it, but you can also get an energy audit or assessment so you can have a better understanding of how to improve your energy efficiency.
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