Sustainability in the home is a hot topic at the moment, and not just because of global warming. Energy price rises coupled with sustainability efforts have led many homeowners down the path of energy efficiency. Read on for some simple tips to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Renewable Energy Sources
It’s no secret that renewable energy is better for the planet and improves your home’s sustainability, but what is the best way to use renewable energy in your household? Start by switching providers to one that is dedicated to renewable power sources. This reduces your reliance on conventional power and helps to save you money on your monthly energy bills.
However, there are some other effective ways to bring renewables into your home and earn money at the same time. Solar panels are an excellent investment; not only do they generate power for your home directly, but any additional power can be sold back to the grid – so you earn an income. The same is true of local wind turbines. Try leasing them if they are unaffordable.
Dual Pane Windows
Around 20% of the home’s heat is lost through the windows, so it makes sense to reduce this as much as possible. Very few properties still have single-pane windows – although some still do, and they such the heat out of the home. Double and triple-glazed windows are the best solution to heat retention in the home, but you can consider hanging heavy curtains during the winter.
Double and triple-glazed windows are made with two or three glass panels that trap air in the spaces between them. The trapped air becomes sun-warm and prevents heat generated in the home from escaping. This increases your home’s energy efficiency and makes it more sustainable. If you have single-pane windows, heavy curtains can help until you can upgrade.
Upgrade Insulation
Insulation helps trap heat generated in the home and improve energy efficiency. At a time when energy costs are rising, and there is a need for more sustainability in the home, insulation upgrades are a smart idea. One of the best types of insulation upgrades – especially for older homes – is cavity wall insulation which can reduce your home’s heat loss by an amazing 35%.
Cavity wall insulation is the perfect solution to heat loss in the home. Insulating foam spray is injected into the wall filling up the space with insulating foam and filling in many of the gaps and holes that are a natural part of the inner walls – this is not something that is possible with conventional wall insulation like fiberboard. Contact a local professional for your cavity walls.
Attic Restoration Services
Have you recently moved into a new home and noticed the attic needs some attention? Attics can be very useful spaces in the home, but a lot of the time, they are neglected and require cleaning and restoration before they can be properly used. If you clean up the attic and remove any pests and old insulation from the space, you can develop it into a bedroom or an office.
Trust SWAT Wildlife Restoration Services to clean up your attic and make it fit-for-purpose once again. SWAT wildlife restoration isn’t only concerned with wildlife in the attic or in other parts of your home or property; they can also make your home more energy efficient and improve its R-value. Not only does this make your home more comfortable, but it makes it more valuable.
Water Saving Practices
Most people know that wasting water is not efficient or sustainable, but not everyone knows why. Water is a finite resource. Only 0.5% of the global water supply is consumable, and there are more creatures than humans on the planet to make use of it. Recycling water and transporting water creates carbon emissions that can be reduced with some household effort.
Switch your home to low-flow showerheads, faucets, toilets, and fixtures that save water, money, and the environment. Switching to low-flow units will immediately save your household money from their energy bills – around $150 every year, but that can be increased with water-saving practices like the 10-minute shower that helps to save electricity and water.
Final Thoughts
If you don’t know where to start with your home’s energy efficiency, you are in the right place. The tips in this article are an excellent starting point, giving you the foundations to reduce your energy costs and your carbon footprint. It has the added benefit of increasing the property value of the home and making it easier to sell. There are always ways to set up new income streams.
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