Over the past few years, we have become more aware of the need for a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Many of us have taken up recycling, using reusable bottles, and bringing bags to the supermarket, but there are also numerous other ways we can become more eco-friendly. In particular, in the home. Here are 10 strategies that you can use to make your home more sustainable:
Insulation is both economically and environmentally beneficial for you, as a properly insulated home will use less energy to reheat. You should focus on insulating the lofts and walls, as these are the biggest culprits for heat loss. It is also important to remember to ensure that you leave ventilation space when insulating your loft, so take extra care not to block or seal any intentional ventilation.
These handy tools record how much electricity and gas you consume and help improve your awareness of your energy consumption. One benefit is that you no longer have to take manual gas and electricity readings. The data gets sent automatically to your supplier so that they can manage your bills. However, with this information, you can also monitor how much energy you use and, as such, start to make behavioral changes to protect the environment and save a bit of money.
Did you know that energy-efficient lightbulbs use around 70% less electricity to light up your home? Switching to these lights is an easy and inexpensive way to save energy and make your home more sustainable.
Double or even triple glazing your windows is a great way to keep your home more energy efficient, as it maintains your property’s heat. On top of that, glazed windows also have an attractive quality, and can add value to your property. This can increase your home's value when the time comes to sell your property.
When possible it can be beneficial to prioritize hiring local tradespeople (plumbers/ electricians/ builders, etc) to fix your appliances and renovate your home when they require work. Thus, not only supporting local businesses but also reducing the distance traveled.
A low-flow showerhead saves both water and energy; in fact, they reduce your water consumption by up to 40%. One common misconception is that low-flow shower heads equal a low-pressure or low-quality shower. However, thanks to modern designs the apparatus maintains a high-quality shower using less water.
Another method to prevent heat loss and keep your home warm throughout the winter is draftproofing. By blocking any unwanted gaps around your doors and windows you can retain your home’s warmth. Specifically, for your windows, you can stick draught-proofing strips around them. Whilst for your doors, you can prevent heat from escaping at the bottom or around the edges.
Regularly servicing your boiler means you ensure that it is in top condition and works as efficiently as possible. More efficient boilers use less fuel, reduce your energy consumption, and regularly serviced boilers are also much safer!
For some properties, adding solar panels can be a great way to reduce your home's environmental impact. This clean, green energy allows you to independently power your home, allowing you to become self-sufficient, and can thus reduce your home's carbon footprint. Depending on your local region, there may be various grants and subsidies available to cover a part of the expense.
Finally, one way to jazz up your home while looking out for the environment is by buying recycled furniture. If you enjoy DIY and home renovation projects, it is fun to go thrift shopping on second-hand/ vintage furniture markets, online, etc as you can find some very unique and individual pieces.
In conclusion, there are various steps that we can take to make our property more eco-friendly, and every little change does help. Simple steps such as installing energy-efficient lightbulbs, installing a smart meter, and regularly servicing your boiler can all make a difference.