We are lucky to be living in an era that is dominated by innovation and technology, making it much easier for us to live more efficiently. No matter how much you try and escape it, the seriousness of climate change and global warming is ever-present, so for those who are looking to be more eco-friendly, the first place to start should be to make your home as green as possible.
Reducing your carbon footprint can not only benefit the earth but help to save you money on your energy bills too. If you aren’t sure where to start, here are 10 top tips on how to make your property more energy-efficient.
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1. Lower Your Thermostat
One of the best ways to make your home more energy-efficient is by lowering your thermostat. When you’re away from home, getting into the habit of lowering your thermostat’s temperature can not only help you lead a greener way of life but lower your energy bills too. Dropping the temperature by just a couple of degrees can help you lose less energy. If you hold down a full-time job, having your thermostat cranked up high will be no use to anyone, so make sure that you lower it by 10 to 15 degrees throughout the workday.
2. Start a Compost Pile
If you’re a foodie who loves to cook up a storm in the kitchen, the last thing you want to do is have any food go to waste. Rather than dumping the remains in the trashcan, why not consider composting instead? Regardless of how big your backyard is, you don’t need to have tons of space to create your own compost pile. Turning your fruit and vegetable waste into valuable fertilizer can help keep your lawn healthy, as well as lower the amount of trash you produce on a day to day basis.
3. Turn Off Unnecessary Water
Many homeowners are guilty of using too much water. Whether it’s by spending too long in the shower, leaving the faucet running when brushing our teeth, or running more loads of laundry than we care to remember, it’s important that you get into the habit of cutting back on your water consumption. There are lots of small but subtle changes that you can make which can help save you money on your water bills, so being conscious of running water while you are brushing or shaving can be a good place to start. If others live in your household, make sure that they get into the habit of keeping the taps switched off too.
4. Switch to Energy Efficient Lightbulbs
You may not realize it, but the type of lightbulbs you use in your home could be costing you a fortune when the energy bill comes in. More and more homeowners are switching to energy-efficient lightbulbs. Light-emitting diode bulbs and compact fluorescent lamps offer longer-lasting light, as well as being more energy-efficient, meaning you won’t have to replace them as frequently. With the average home using 40 bulbs, making the switch over to greener bulbs can be a great way to save money on your energy bill. Along with using the appliances wisely, it is also advisable to compare different service providers using sites like simplyswitch.com
5. Unplug Electrical Equipment
In the modern world we live in, technology dominates our home. Whether you live alone, with friends, or as a family, the chances are you have smartphones, TVs and laptops dotted around your home. Before you head to bed each night, make sure that they are switched off and unplugged. Even if your electrical items are in standby mode, they will still be consuming energy without you realizing, so for those who are serious about reducing their carbon footprint, make sure that you get into the routine of ensuring everything is switched off.
6. Insulate Your Attic
It’s only natural that you will want your home to be warm and cozy throughout the year. No one wants to return after a busy day at work to a cold and grungy home, and one of the best ways to keep your property heated is by insulating your attic. Rather than shelling out a fortune on your home’s heating and cooling costs, adding insulation can help seal air leaks and keep you in control of your energy consumption. Although it is seen as a costly job, the benefits you will gain from insulating your attic far outweigh the cons.
7. Replace Your Roof
Your roof is regarded as one of the most expensive parts of your property, so it’s important that you take good care of it. If you’re having any concerns, it’s important that you hire a company like Semper Solaris who specialize in roofing repair and roofing replacements. There are tons of benefits that go hand in hand with replacing your roof, such as increasing your curb appeal, increasing the value of your home, not to mention the energy-efficient benefits. Semper Solaris also provide solar panel installation, therefore, combining the two and installing a new roof and solar panel installation can help save you money in the long run. To get you started, you can find more information here.
8. Perform an Energy Audit
If you feel you’re paying too much out on your energy bill, it’s important that you find the root cause of how much you’re consuming. To do this effectively, you may want to consider hiring a professional who can come to your property and perform an energy audit. They will be able to pinpoint how much energy you consume each month and give you practical advice and tips on how to cut back on your usage. There is also the option to perform an energy audit yourself, however, for those who would like to get expert advice, it’s best to seek professional help.
9. Fit Double Glazing
If you live in an older property, you may find that the windows are single glazed. While it may not be as noticeable in the summer months, when temperatures begin to drop in the winter, the last thing you want to do is have your thermostat at its highest level. To help keep your home well insulated and warm, another option to take is to fix double glazed windows. A professional can visit your home and replace old windows with double glazing, providing you with benefits such as better insulation, noise reduction, as well as increased security. For a stylish and secure window, you can check double glazing Bristol.
10. Use Natural Cleaning Products
Keeping your home clean and tidy takes time, effort, and patience. As a proud homeowner, you may be prone to using cleaning products that are full of toxic chemicals. For those who are serious about doing their bit for the environment, it’s advised to get rid of cleaning products that are harmful, and instead opting for natural products. Whether it’s vinegar, baking soda, or lemons, there are tons of natural cleaning products that you can use to keep your home spick and span. What’s more, many natural products are far cheaper to use in the long run.
While you may think that your efforts alone won’t amount to much, the more of us who take action about climate change, the more chance we have of saving the planet. Whether it’s something as simple as losing less water or splashing the cash on an attic conversion, doing all that you can to make your home greener can help do your bit for the environment. If you’re looking to add more value to your home, visit https://www.yourcalvert.com/buying-first-home/.
