The buzz words of the moment in home decor, renovation and property are ‘energy efficiency.’ More and more people are placing great importance on how well their humble abode functions. The more energy efficient a dwelling, the less money it costs you to run and the less damage it does to the environment.
Being conscious of your eco credentials and making it your mission to live a more sustainable and energy efficient lifestyle is admirable but it is often tricky to know where to start. Take a look at these three things you can do to make your foray into the world of energy efficiency just that little bit easier.
How to make your home more energy efficient
Heating
If your radiators are on full blast all year round, then there is a major problem with heat retention within your home. While you want your home to be warm and cozy in the winter and at an ambient temperature in the summer, you shouldn’t be using your boiler at all times to achieve this.
Head up into your loft space and check out your insulation. If you don’t have any at all, the heat generated within your home will escape through your roof space. Insulation is costly initially, but the thick foam like padding will help your home stay warmer in the winter.
No longer will you need the heating on all hours of the day, and you will be saving a lucrative amount of money each year. Look at your glazing and consider whether replacement windows are needed. Broken seals, cracked fascias and poor double glazing can result in draughts entering your home, resulting in colder temperatures.
This can lead to you setting your thermostat higher and paying out more for your gas bill. An airtight window can save you money and make your home more energy efficient.
Lighting
If you have powerful old school strip lighting in your home and you rely on cheap yet energy sucking bulbs to light your rooms, then you could be creating a false economy. While these light bulbs may be cheap to buy, they are expensive to run and utilize more power.
Swap to energy efficient bulbs that run on a lower wattage. These bulbs last longer and don’t cost as much to run saving you money. These energy efficient bulbs are no longer the large corkscrew type. They come in all shapes and sizes from discreet dimmable LEDs to achingly cool retro inspired Edison bulbs. The design choices are endless.
Water
Water wastage is a massive problem for the environment, and with just a few simple hacks, you can do your bit to limit your own household’s water wastage. When brushing your teeth don’t leave the faucet running for the full two minutes of brushing. Only turn it on when rinsing.
When boiling the kettle for a single cup of tea, don’t fill the kettle up to the top making enough hot water for a dozen people. And when you are having a shower, try to be sensible with the length of time you are in there enjoying a lather. The longer you are in there, the more water you use, and the more it costs you in cold hard cash.
Being energy efficient isn’t easy. However, with effort, you can create a more environmentally friendly home that costs you less money to run.
ALSO: HOW TO COMBAT ENERGY WASTE IN YOUR HOME
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